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Completed TRL 5 (started at 2, targeting 5)
Initiative to rapidly test and de-risk emerging technology from industry, academia, and government though orbital and suborbital demonstrations.
Act as an “accelerator” for technologies that need to increase TRL for future missions. Focus is to develop and demonstrate on-orbit (LEO or other) new technologies and capabilities to enable planetary exploration, including: Communication, navigation, propulsion, power, thermal management, science capabilities, advance manufacturing, on board processing, fault management. Leverage Commercial Off the Shelf parts, buses, systems as much as possible, where it enables rapid development and demonstration. Collaborate with universities, small businesses and other NASA centers. Sustain hands-on expertise at NASA and help train future workforce.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.