Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometer Technology Maturation (AIGG)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 4)

Description

Cold atom interferometers enable measurements of gravity with ultra-high resolution. The Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometer (AIGG) aims to measure changes in the Earths gravitational potential due to ice-melt and water flow, which provides critical information about our changing planet. This project will continue the maturation of the AIGG instrument toward a space-based quantum sensor, leading to near-term breakthrough Earth Science Mass Change measurements and enabling long-term spin-offs to Planetary, Astrophysics and DoD applications.

Benefits

The AIGG laser system lacks a path toward space flight. We propose to gather laser system requirements and perform a design review to improve the system performance and develop a path for advancing the TRL of the laser system.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Lasers
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2022-10-01
End date	2024-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Michael A Johnson — michael.a.johnson@nasa.gov
Renee M Reynolds — renee.m.reynolds@nasa.gov
Holly F Leopardi — holly.f.leopardi@nasa.gov
Anand R Mylapore — anand.r.mylapore@nasa.gov
Anthony W Yu — anthony.w.yu@nasa.gov
Molly E Fahey — molly.e.fahey@nasa.gov
Peter G Brereton — peter.g.brereton@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.