ULTRA: Ultrastable Large Telescope Research & Analysis (ULTRA)

ULTRA (Ultra-Stable Telescope Research and Analysis) is a proposal focused on a system engineering study for a segmented, 10-m observatory with a high-contrast coronagraph applicable for the HabEx and LUVOIR missions. The key outputs of this study will include analysis of architecture trades, identification of technology gaps, and recommendations for paths forward for technology development, all based on modeling tools and engineering work validated on the world's only optical deployable segmented, space telescope - the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The effort will use capabilities and techniques developed for coronagraphy and segmented telescopes to complete an architecture study and end-to-end simulation of direct imaging observing scenarios comprising a full Observatory simulation. The study includes an error budget based assessment and an "analysis of alternatives" for technology paths of the future. Importantly, ULTRA takes advantage of more than 20+ years of Industrial and University experience in analytical modeling and technology development applied to exoplanet direct imaging observations with the goal of increasing the TRL of ultra-stable telescope architectures under consideration by the HabEx and LUVOIR mission study teams in preparation for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey.

The Segmented Mirror Technology Program (SMTP) seeks to mature integrated system architectures that could enable the next generation of large space telescopes. At the end of 2017, NASA solicited industry proposals to carry out one-year end-to-end system-level engineering design and modeling studies and a subsequent RFP (Phase 2) requested proposals for technology maturation of technology gaps for large segmented-aperture or monolithic telescopes.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.