← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We propose further develop and mature the mission concept for direct detection of dark energy, the cause of the accelerating expansion of the universe, using the solar system as a laboratory. Dark energy may be a scalar field in nature. Its interaction with normal matter is assumed to have the gravitational strength on cosmological scales, but must be highly suppressed in the solar system to be consistent with current gravity measurements and observations. Nevertheless, various models of dark energy scalar fields can be probed with specifically designed precision measurement experiments. In Phase I, we have focused on the science and technology feasibility of such an experiment mission concept. By flying a constellation of long-baseline atom-interferometer gravity gradiometers and measuring the trace of the force field gradient tensor in the solar system, we will be able to isolate the new force field signal from overwhelmingly stronger gravity effects and achieve a direction detection of dark energy. A confirmed detection would lead to a fundamental shift in our understanding of physics and our universe, stimulating a wide variety of foundational research in cosmology and particle physics. The mission will also provide rich science data products for dark matter and gravitational wave detection as well as other modified Newtonian gravity analyses, leading to the concept of Gravity Observation and Dark energy Detection Explorer in the Solar System.
Technical approach of drag-free Atomic Test Mass Quantum Sensors in open space vacuum. Enables direct detection of dark energy scalar fields using the solar system as a laboratory. Measurement scheme of the invariant field tensor trace with highly effective suppression for gravity effects. Multiple science observation and measurement capabilities.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.