Solid State Welding for Space

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

TGV proposes to build a modular testbed that can scale ultrasonic additive manufacturing and test multiple material combinations in vacuum conditions. A lighter smaller sonotrode will be developed which will be tracable to testing on ISS or future space platforms but can serve to mature solid state welding designs and concepts in the current era

Benefits

This is an enabling technology for large structure, deep space missions or lunar bases.

This is enabling technology for large civilian commercial space stations

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Manufacturing > Manufacturing Processes
Program	Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
Lead organization	TGV Rockets, Inc., Washington, DC
Start date	2022-07-25
End date	2023-01-25

Project contacts

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

Andrew K Boddorff — andrew.k.boddorff@nasa.gov
Keith L Woodman — keith.l.woodman@nasa.gov
Gary P Snyder — gary.p.snyder@nasa.gov
Gary Snyder

How to get involved

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.