The Department of Defense, through the Missile Defense Agency, is seeking innovative solutions for a Nitrogen Leak Detection and Measurement Technology aimed at identifying small leaks in standard missile rocket motors. The project focuses on developing a cost-effective and highly sensitive system capable of detecting trace amounts of nitrogen, addressing micro-leaks that could lead to inefficiencies or mission failures, while ensuring compatibility with existing missile architectures without modifications. This opportunity is structured in three phases: Phase I will evaluate technology concepts and feasibility, Phase II will advance the technology to prototype development, and Phase III will transition the technology to market. The solicitation is set to open on April 23, 2025, with applications due by May 21, 2025. Interested parties can find more information at the official DOD SBIR/STTR website.

## Description

This project aims to develop a cost-effective and highly sensitive nitrogen leak detection system tailored to identify small leaks within the standard missile rocket motors family. The technology would utilize advanced sensors capable of detecting trace amounts of nitrogen escaping from a sealed system. This system would address micro-leaks that can lead to inefficiencies, equipment damage, or mission failure. The solution would be portable, scalable and compatible with Missile Defense Agency products. The system must be integrated without any modification to the SM3 Missile architecture.

## Objective

Develop a highly sensitive and scalable Nitrogen Leak Detection and Measurement Technology capable of identifying and quantifying 1.0 X 10^-7 leaks from high pressure storage bottles in support of Standard Missile-3 (SM3) Third Stage Rocket Motors or similar Rocket Motor architectures.

## Phase I

(1) Phase I focuses on evaluating and validating the technology concepts, establishing maturity, assessing cost and developing a high level schedule. (2) OBJECTIVE/SCOPE - Assess the feasibility of existing technologies, evaluating maturity and technology readiness level (TRL), determine preliminary cost for implementation and develop initial schedule. (3) DELIVERABLES - Feasibility report, TRL Assessment Documentation, cost estimate report and Phase II recommendation for course of action (COAs).

## Phase II

(1) OVERVIEW - Phase II aims to advance the technology based on Phase I findings and recommendation and develop a prototype or proof of concept. (2) OBJECTIVE/SCOPE - (a)Develop and refine the selected Nitrogen Leak Detection and Measurable Technology (NLDMT) based on Phase I findings, (b) Improve detection accuracy, response time, and robustness under various environmental conditions. (c) Begin integration testing. (d) Evaluate scalability and reliability over extended periods.(e) Refine cost and schedule. (3) DELIVERABLES - Prototype Report, Environmental Report, Reliability Report, updated cost and schedule and recommendation for Phase III.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

(1) OVERVIEW - Phase III aims to Transition technology to market, secure partnership and funding and to start production. (2) OBJECTIVE/SOCPE - Finalize design, ensuring the technology meets performance and reliability standards.

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