Low Cost, Light Weight Materials for Mirrors, Phase I

The proposed STTR is the combination of a small business with unique materials experience, and Northwestern Unviersity, with expertise in Mirror applications, processing and characterization. The combination of these two entities with various prime contractors providing assistance makes for a successful STTR program. The applications for these materials have significant impact on NASA and other commercial entities. The unique materials being demonstrated under this program also have significant commercial applications. A successful Phase I will result in the identification of various parts and programs that can be supported by these materials. Phase II will focus on characterization and qualification of these materials.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.