Hypothesis-Driven Microexplorers, Year 2

Define a new surface exploration strategy for hypothesis-driven control software using microexplorers; Brings together advances in microsystems with advances in machine learning, data mining and planning/scheduling; Enables exploration by squads of microrobots that can seek out and characterize key locales based on internally-generated hypotheses; Directly addresses NASA Grand Challenge theme of new technology tools for scientific discovery.

This capability enables exploration of planetary bodies (highlighted by Decadal) through low-cost spacecraft units and addresses planetary science questions without costly, high-end spacecraft. This leverages innovations in onboard computation, miniature instruments, and onboard autonomy and pushes new operations paradigm - current operation models will not scale to large groups of in-situ explorers.

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.