Why is this technology important? Astronauts have only minutes to detect and fix significant air leaks that occur before having to shut down areas, or even evacuate, the space station. Right now, according to Abedi, the astronauts know a significant leak is occurring by monitoring the air pressure in the space station. When air pressure decreases, it suggests there is a leak and astronauts must rapidly search for the cause. Once they locate it, they can patch it.<\/p>\n
The WLD reduces the time from minutes to seconds to find these dangerous air leaks. Astronauts could use this technology to become immediately aware of a leak, know its location and repair the leak in mere seconds \u2013 thus reducing the threat of having to suspend activities or even evacuate the station itself.<\/p>\n
This technology is not limited to use in spacecraft. According to NASA, wireless leak detectors would also be beneficial for any pressurized environment where leaks are hazardous \u2013 such as submarines, airplanes, pipelines and fuel tanks \u2013 in creating safer work conditions for humans and safeguarding the environment.<\/p>\n
Creating a NASA-approved Device<\/h2>\n
Anything sent by NASA into space goes through meticulous analysis and planning to become flight certified. Abedi described the rigorous training, collaboration and documentation required to make the WLD and its functions conformed to NASA\u2019s strict guidelines. Luckily, Abedi had two excellent students working on the WLD to whom he gives credit for the success of this project.<\/p>\n \u201cCasey Clark and Dr. Lonnie Labonte did such a great job,\u201d Abedi said with pride. \u201cThey really did the majority of the work and it took a lot of dedication.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had to iterate our design many times to meet NASA\u2019s safety requirements,\u201d said Clark. \u201cBuilding devices for the Earth is much easier than building devices for space.\u201d<\/p>\n The WLDs \u201clisten\u201d for air leaks with ultrasonic microphones, according to Abedi. However, it\u2019s not as simple as hearing the hiss of air leaking. The WLD must filter all other noise and interference to find the ultrasonic, high-frequency noises which emanate from a tiny hole. \u201cYou need to know the signature and the language,\u201d said Abedi. \u201cThere is a lot of software, a lot of mathematics behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n Working in the lab, the team was able to design a device that would be functional and easy to use for the astronauts.<\/p>\n \u201cWe used a relatively easy-to-use microcontroller system called an Arduino,\u201d said Labonte. \u201cIt allowed for simplistic programming and plug-and-play shields that really streamlined the design of the overall system. Of course, using a simplistic microcontroller had its limitations, but we were able to overcome these limitations with some clever engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n Clark and Labonte both describe their research work at 91爆料 with pride and appreciation. They have since graduated and embarked on successful careers in their related fields. Clark, of Old Town, Maine, earned his Masters in Electrical Engineering and now works as a ground segment engineer for SpaceX in California. Labonte, of Rumford, Maine, continues his work with NASA as a computer engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.<\/p>\n \u201cI am extremely grateful for Dr. Abedi and the years I spent at WiSe-Net Lab. I still use these hands-on engineering practices every day at work.\u201d<\/p>\n Casey Clark<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Student researchers not only gain hands-on experience; they take away a greater understanding of how important research is for all \u2013 no matter how big or small.<\/p>\n \u201cThe work on WLD with Dr. Abedi showed me that even small universities can play a role in space travel and technology. This work inspired me to stay in the aerospace field; because of this I enjoy my job every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Lonnie Labonte<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Ultimately, Abedi\u2019s team sent three WLDs to the International Space Station. After testing was successfully completed at the space station, NASA returned the WLDs to Abedi; who in turn offered one of the three payloads to the Emera Astronomy Center for use as a permanent display in the lobby for everyone to enjoy. The exhibit was recently unveiled to an excited audience.<\/p>\n The center has eagerly followed the project from its beginning; it held a launch party when the payload package blasted off to the International Space Station in December 2016. According to Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Emera Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium, the center is the ideal place to showcase 91爆料\u2019s first space payload as it hosts numerous public programs and school field trips each year.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a great way to showcase how students from our university were able to get involved with NASA and space exploration, \u201csaid Laatsch. \u201cIt is amazing that this technology was developed here by Dr. Abedi and a team of undergrad and grad students.\u00a0 The technology has benefits beyond space and is a great example of how science research can benefit our lives in numerous ways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s great to teach the students at 91爆料 the possibilities that are available right at their school if they look in the right places,\u201d said Labonte.<\/p>\n Clark agreed. \u201cI\u2019m very happy & thankful this is now on display. Many students at 91爆料 are ignorant of the cool projects going on around them, and I hope this display can help them become aware.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t![\"Graphic](\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2018\/05\/ISS-Research-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>This is 91爆料\u2019s first payload to be sent to (and returned from) space. The research and development of the WLD was one of five projects funded by NASA\u2019s ISS Technology Demonstration Office<\/a>, according to Abedi. \u201cOnly two of the five projects actually finished products that went to space \u2013 and ours was the only university payload,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nListening for Air Leaks<\/h2>\n
![\"Wireless](\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2018\/05\/wisenetpayloadumss-210x300.jpg\")
91爆料 Research Work Impacts Future Careers<\/h2>\n
Displayed with Pride<\/h2>\n
![\"NASA](\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2018\/05\/IMG_0205-300x179.jpg\")