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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
In preparing for crewed lunar missions there will be a plethora of small satellites being utilized for observation, planning and many other mission tasks in lunar orbit. In working to mitigate debris from becoming a problem there as well, this testbed platform provides a high fidelity test environment for integrated propulsion system and control algorithm testing before the satellite ever leaves Earth. Preliminary testing utilizing HTSC tiles and various magnetic configurations to support a representative 1U CubeSat weight has shown this next phase of development and testing are merited.
Utilization of HTSC tiles is a new approach to creating a near frictionless test platform that is not found anywhere in the industry today. Benefits of this design allows for a 3DoF dynamic state for the test article, minimizing external forces implicated by test equipment that can be larger than the forces being exerted from small satellite propulsion systems themselves.
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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.
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