Electronics Modernization Project

There is a need to reduce mass and volume on any spacecraft whether for earth orbit insertion or travel within the solar system. Less mass and a smaller volume can dramatically reduce the cost of the launch vehicle as well as the spacecraft. Subsequently, the problem of too much mass and volume can be a result of the spacecraft structure, propulsion system, instrument and its electronics. This Workshop will focus on mass and volume reduction of the electronics. Current electronic packaging designs used in our most recent spacecraft are comprised of technologies from the 1980's and 1990's. The current approach to electronic packaging design and selection uses well known design solutions because they are considered low risk and have space flight heritage; typically a ruggedized VME (Versatile Mechanical Euro) packaging architectures. Semiconductor features of this vintage utilize features that are measured in microns. As semiconductors have advanced, features are now measured in nanometers. We can use the example of the iPhone; with our current electronics design approaches the iPhone would be the size of a breadbox. These modern phones and devices such as laptop computers incorporate hundreds of new packaging technologies, some of which are appropriate for spaceflight and some that are not robust enough. The challenge is to identify the most useful technologies that are likely to survive rigorous spacecraft testing. With the exception of some earth-orbiting missions, virtually all other missions have unique environmental survival requirements. The primary objective of the Workshop will be to identify industry established state-of-the-art packaging technologies that can be leveraged without technology development with a focus on miniaturization. This will include active and passive components, substrates, connectors etc. Reliability and reworkability will be considered but will be a secondary objective in order to allow creativity. There will be a review of current JPL electronic packaging subsystems that can be exploited by reverse engineering the existing design. Also, new in-process JPL designs will be considered for redesign.

The results of this Workshop are far reaching. This methodology can be a benefit to any spacecraft that has electronics. The results of this workshop and follow on beta testing can influence planned mission designs. This would be beneficial to any outer planet mission planned to Europa or other planetary moon that exhibits evidence of water. Many mission such as DESDynI are operating with very tight mass margins. This methodology would improve these margins and allow more functionality.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.