Origins - Spectral Interpretation - Resource Identification - Security - Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-Rex) Low-Gravity Regolith Sampling Tests

Completed TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)

Description

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC) is partnered with Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the University of Arizona for the New Frontiers III OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security Regolith Explorer) mission. OSIRIS-REx will collect a sample of an asteroid with a gas fluidization approach.

Overview article describing 2012 flights.

Benefits

This flight opportunity will test 5 sampler head regolith combination/flight to determine sample collection in low gravity Missions to sample asteroids e.g. OSIRIS-REx, and to sample comet nuclei

Details

Technology area	Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Destination Resource Exploration
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Lockheed Martin Inc., Palo Alto, CA
Start date	2012-05-10
End date	2015-05-10

Project contacts

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

Joseph Vellinga
Dante S Lauretta
Joe Vellinga

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.