An Advance Open Architecture Astrometric Alignment Sensor for Distributed & Non-Distributed GN&C Systems

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

This IRAD will advance the technology to provide a stellar sensor that may be used for astrometric alignments necessary for Formation Flying/Relative Navigation related missions. The objective of this project is to develop an advanced stellar sensor for astrometric alignment and other challenging SmallSat-class Formation Flying/Relative Navigation missions such as the Virtual Telescope (VT) concept.

The prototype will be a assembly consisting of a small, low powered electronics box, stellar detector and a lens assembly with a manual fine focus feature.

Benefits

N/A

Details

Technology area	Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Human Health and Performance > Contactless and Wearable Human Health and Performance Monitoring
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2013-10-01
End date	2014-09-01

Project contacts

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

John C Adams — john.c.adams@nasa.gov
Sean R Semper — sean.r.semper@nasa.gov
Robert W Moss — robert.w.moss@nasa.gov

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.