Eternal Flight as the Solution for 'x'

An investigation into a new mission concept approach to achieve unlimited high altitude long endurance flight to achieve geosynchronous atmospheric satellites for civil missions. The study will compare the new approach to existing approaches, with detailed analysis of the key differences that enable a reduction in structural weight by 50%, while also decreasing the drag by 50% through significantly higher aspect ratio wings, higher wing loading, and lower payload drag.

Achieving eternal flight opens the doors to atmospheric satellites. Existing satellites have a great number of capabilities that enrich our lives; however, their distance from the surface of the earth precludes certain types of transmission capabilities. Once eternal flight is achieved, that vehicle can serve the same role as ordinary satellites, but its close proximity will allow for real time two way communications, like wireless broadband internet. And with active controls, atmospheric satellites would not be constrained to geosynchronous orbits, like our existing satellite technology.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.