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Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 6)
This IRAD advances the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) Power Processing Unit (PPU) to level 6. The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is leading this effort; however, the unique knowledge and experience GSFC possesses, as a spaceflight center, is needed to ensure the PPU is properly matured.
The objective of this IRAD is to advance the TRL of the PPU to 6. This includes supporting GRC with requirements review and validation, design updates and hardware modifications, assessment of parts selection and radiation analysis and FPGA board development.
The ultimate goal of the effort is to fabricate and flight qualify a prototype PPU whose design can be implemented with the other NEXT components.
The development of the NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) system opens many new possibilities for planetary missions.
Technology can be used on DoD satellites
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.