Qualification of additively manufactured polymer fluid manifolds for life-detection instruments

Abstract

The development of autonomous life detection instruments is being driven by the advancement of multiple space exploration missions to investigate the subsurface oceans of icy worlds, particularly Titan, Enceladus, and Europa. A fundamental feature of this type of instrument is a compact, reliable, and chemically inert internal liquid transport network. Additively manufactured (AM) custom liquid manifolds produced via vat photopolymerization (VPP) methods can meet these requirements. However, before these materials can be considered, basic spaceflight requirements, qualification for flight worthiness and functionality must be addressed. In this study, mechanical properties, outgassing behavior, polymeric characteristics, and chemical compatibility are assessed for select commercially available AM polymers. The results indicate basic materials qualification requirements are met, including sufficiently characterized mechanical properties, the identification of a bakeout protocol for reduced outgassing to meet NASA standards, and chemical compatibility with liquids and reagents used in candidate instrumentation under development for life detection missions.