Wireless leak detection using airborne ultrasonics and a fast-Bayesian tree search algorithm with technology demonstration on the ISS

This paper presents a wireless leak detection and localization system, based on airborne ultrasonic acoustics and a fast-Bayesian inference technique. Leaks caused by micrometeoroid and orbital debris are major concerns for mission safety on the ISS and other pressurized space structures. A sensor system was designed and constructed to observe these ultrasonic signals and localize the leak. A novel algorithm combining angle of arrival, Bayesian inference, and tree-search is presented to calculate the leak location with any desired accuracy. Prototype of the leak detector will be demonstrated on the ISS in the 2016/2017 time frame, collecting valuable ultrasonics data in microgravity environments. Leak location calculations, system design, and preliminary results are presented in this paper.