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Electrostatic Tube Dust Detector for Moon and Mars

Completed

Description

Develop and build prototype tube detector system Incorporate digital system to analyze analog output Build moving dust system in lab for testing Test in the desert in a dust devil Consider merging system with existing optical camera system to make a unique combined system perfect for a Google X flight to the Moon.

Benefits

ESA Lunar Lander Discovery Missions Google X Prize MAX-C environmental package

Details

Technology areaSensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Environment Sensors
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organizationGoddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date2011-10-01
End date2012-09-30

Project contacts

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How to get involved

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.