Sensors for the quantification of space debris-induced highly reactive oxygen species (ROS; superoxide, O2•−, and hydroxyl, •OH, radicals, and hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) in order to monitor their contribution to ozone depletion and assess their biotoxicity to environmentally contaminated humans
The O2−/H2O2 and •OH sensors have been/are constructed at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, with funding from ESA (https://activities.esa.int/4000145471 / https://activities.esa.int/4000136482).
The O2−/H2O2 and •OH sensors will provide, for the first time, continuous quantitative measurement and monitoring of the fraction of atmospheric ozone depletion caused by space debris, particularly in highly contaminated locations.
Indicative space (additional) and terrestrial applications for the ROS sensors
Evaluation of the chemical oxidizing action of ROS generated by cosmic/Lunar/Martian dusts on metallic technological materials, instruments, vehicles/rovers, space base stations, astronaut suits, air filtration systems (in stations and astronaut suits), water and food storage facilities, space greenhouses, etc. (for the adoption of special dust protection measures, Stellar Discoveries also provides).
- Measurement and monitoring of the ROS biotoxicity of airborne space dusts (from wildfires, mines, African dusts, etc.), as well as dusts escaping through commercial airplane air filtering systems, institutional and industrial laboratories, hospital isolation chambers, etc.