Full Lunar Surface Visualization and Simulation Platform Year 1 of 2

This project will create a visualization and simulation platform of the entire lunar surface. From Concept Study, through Design and Verification, and the Safety Review Panel process, utilization of a single platform for visualization and interaction with the lunar environment, specifically designed to support mission safety objectives, is proposed as a game changing integration of mission development. The tool concept is analogous to Google Earth in a lunar environment, with a full mission planning and analysis toolset.

The capability for SMEs to perform simulated lunar operations will be an invaluable tool in the design / certification process. Codes NA, EA, SA, CA, and XA will collaborate in parallel during the life cycle of lunar hardware development as well as safety certification development and lunar mission certification. The products will be made available to contractors delivering hardware. Current in-line processes will be unaffected. The result of the collaboration will lower residual risk in the mission through earlier discovery of issues, safety concerns, and fewer assumptions between the growing number of developers and contractors.

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.