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Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Perform trade studies over folded aperture optics to specify design parameters - diameter, effective aperture, sensitivity, field of view; Model, design, fabricate and test folded optics to demonstrate sufficient image quality for detecting stars; Identify components - imager and processor platform to obtain system level parameters (weight, volume, power, cost); Night sky test of folded optic to demonstrate star visibility.
Successful demonstration of FLAT will provide an in-house capability for precision pointing of cubesats and smallsats. Enables and expands mission scenarios and applications of cubesats, smallsats. This enables precision pointing of cubesats for Earth orbiters.
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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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