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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Many planetary landed missions carry instruments to characterize the chemistry of surface materials, since this information can constrain the provenance and evolution of these materials and inform the geologic or environmental history they record. We are developing an X-ray analyzer which utilizes a custom X-ray source and SDD detectors.
The proposed technology development aims to develop an X-ray analyzer which can contribute to surface chemistry analyses on future lunar and planetary missions. This technology development could also contribute to instruments to be used on future crewed missions, innovative X-ray navigation approaches, and a range of astrophysics missions.
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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.
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