MakerSat

As SmallSats become the “Satellite of Choice” for NASA and other Government and Private Space Missions, there is a growing need to enable SmallSats to perform “Long Baseline” and “Spatially Diverse” observation, measurement and collection missions. Traditionally, these types of missions would be performed either by using formation flying or by using “large” satellites equipped with complex / advance deployable structures. The proposed “MakerSat Demonstration Mission” effort addresses a third alternative for accomplishing this class of missions: In-Space Manufacturing “Constructable” technologies, that allow SmallSats to “grow / evolve” into significantly larger structures. A SmallSat that once on orbit can increase its size from one to two orders of magnitude provides an exciting option to formation flying or deployable structures. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a demonstration mission that proves the viability of Constructable technologies as an alternative solution for “Long Baseline” and “Spatially Diverse” observation, measurement and collection missions.

SmallSats, including CubeSats, are quickly maturing technologically towards advanced capabilities, which will result in significant contributions to the achievement of NASA?s scientific and exploration missions. In fact, SmallSats are seriously being considered for complex, long duration missions to deep space locations and for Earth observing constellations. However, while SmallSats have the benefit of small size and mass, making them generally easier and cheaper to launch, many space applications require larger physical sizes or alternate structural architectures. These applications can be realized through the innovation of novel In-Space Manufacturing ?Constructable? techniques that can drive the utility of SmallSats even further.

In addition to direct NASA applications, the advancements from the proposed "MakerSat Demonstration Mission" effort for In-Space structural construction technologies would be directly applicable to constructing large structures in-space and enabling new missions in both the commercial space industry and the DoD. To support this assertion, TUI is already developing complementary in-space manufacturing technologies with both the DoD and commercial partners.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.