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Canceled TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
The SWORDS launcher is a cooperative project between Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/ Army Forces Strategic Command and NASA. The transition manager for the Joint Capability Technology Demonstration is the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space. The demonstration will consist of ground engine testing, a suborbital flight test, and an orbital flight test. A dedicated nanosatellite launcher will extend the miniature electronics revolution into space by enabling combatant commands to have a launch-on-demand capability.
NASA is partnering with the US Army to develop the SWORDS vehicle that will leverage commercial industry standards to utilize standard hardware and technologies over customized designs by reducing cost through reduced personnel needs and minimal inventory requirements to address the needs of affordable, responsive, dedicated launch system for nano-and micro-satellites.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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