← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 3)
NASA GSFC has a strong heritage in the design and construction of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers for atmospheric remote sensing, beginning with the successful IRIS series of instruments (built from 1969-1977) and concluding in 1997 with the completion of the Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS). New remote sensing orbiter missions such as the Titan Orbiter prioritized in the latest (2022) Decadal Survey for Planetary Sciences prompt a re-investment in this instrument line, to provide competitive instrument proposals for flight opportunities expected to be announced in the ~5-7 year time horizon. We propose in FY23 to evaluate the performance of the existing CIRS-Lite hardware (developed under IRAD and PICASSO funding) in a laboratory environment, including also a new optical study (ODL) to design and quantify the optical path of the complete FTIR instrument.
The payoff to NASA is ultimately new information about the planets and moons of the outer solar system (especially Titan, but potentially also Uranus, Triton and others) to answer Decadal-Survey level fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of the solar system. The payoff to GSFC is participation in such a mission, including scientific involvement and engineering work, and also the development of a new line of instruments that may be proposed for multiple targets. FITR will answer high level questions from the 2022 Decadal Survey concerning the origin and evolution of the outer planets. This instrument is intended as payload principally for the Titan New Frontiers class orbiter but could be considered for the Uranus Flagship Orbiter Mission if very sensitive long wavelength detectors become available.
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.