Extreme Temperature Gearhead

In response to the need for actuators that can operate in the harsh Venusian environment for extended periods of time, Honeybee Robotics conducted extensive research and testing to resolve the tall poles in developing an extreme temperature gear. During the Phase I effort, multiple gear material and lubrication candidates were tested under load in Venus-like conditions (486oC temperature and mostly CO2 gas environment). Test results verified the feasibility of a design and confirmed that, with proper material and lubrication selection, the gear head could operate at 486oC for an extended period of time. In a potential Phase II effort, material and lubrication study will continue as well as a high temperature bearing study. At the end of the Phase II, an extreme environment actuator, including a HT motor, HT sensor for commutation and multi-stage HT gear head, will be developed and tested to TRL 6.

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.