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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The success of the US space program rests on our ability to propel missions farther into space, build bases on the moon and otherplanets, and to someday sustain life for significant periods of time. These ambitious goals rely heavily on the availability of resilientenergy systems to power critical components such as life support, heating and cooling, and propulsion. Power systems - whether indeep space or surface environments - present significant complications beyond those found in terrestrial power systems. This projectaims to develop an automated resilience management framework for maintaining functioning space-based electric power systems thatwill address these challenges and aid in the system’s return to equilibrium and normal operation.The goal of this project is to leverage existing experience with terrestrial electric power systems, specifically DC microgrids, todevelop an autonomous power management system that is suitable for space operations and able to meet these stringent requirementsunder the harsh conditions of space. The project will be conducted over a three-year period and consists of three parts: 1) Developa probabilistic model and preventative mechanism for potential sources of catastrophic failure, 2) Develop a resilience managementframework to mitigate the impacts of an event, 3) Develop a module that will model restorative events. Each thrust will includeverification using industry-standard electrical and aerospace engineering simulation platforms.This project addresses Technology Area Breakdown Structure designation 3.3.2, as it focuses mainly on preventative, mitigative, andrestorative control measures that enable more reliable power.
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.