Solar Electric Propulsion Transfer Ring (SEPTR)

farSight Technologies proposes a Solar Electric Propulsion Transfer Ring (SEPTR) to fill the technology gaps identified on several NASA programs: The Flight Opportunities Program, The Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) and The Launch Services Program. These programs have all identified the need for lunar/cislunar transfer capabilities, novel propulsion systems (e.g. Dual Mode) and to serve as a precursor mission for gateway future planetary exploration. SEPTR is a small spacecraft boost and support stage that is built into the payload mounting ring for venture class launch vehicles. It will provide Direct-to-Earth tethered communication and basic PNT utilizing space tested avionics, solar panels, batteries, sun sensors and star trackers. SEPTR leverages high I SP/low thrust electric propulsion to open access to a wide range of orbits to smaller space craft that they would not be able to achieve on their own. It can be used not only as a 3rd stage booster but also configured to provide additional support including power, multi-mode propulsion, communications and station keeping for as long as the spacecraft needs or desires. SEPTR offers a short-term solution to the problem of small spacecraft reaching higher altitude orbits and opens access to missions in lunar and cislunar space for this segment.

NASA applications: 1) Moon to Mars, 2) Artemis, 3) Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) – a program the PI supported and 4) NASA Flight opportunities. To support these missions, farSight envisions a model that will open up the TLI market to small entrants by offering pre-staged “Pony Express services” that include propulsion and mission services delivered on the NASA-matured Venture Class LEO launch capability provided by Relativity Space, Firefly Space Systems, and Virgin Orbit; substantially reducing costs for small spacecraft.

Non-NASA applications: 1) Shipboard ADNS DTN enabled router for Enterprise level Naval Networks and unmanned C2, 2) United Launch Alliance with it’s cislunar economy initiatives, 3) Astrobotics; projected to be the first commercial company to land on the moon and 4) Local and State level Disaster Recovery Agencies where ground communications infrastructure is space or Non-existent.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.