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Completed TRL 4 (started at 1, targeting 4)
The objective remains the same, to experimentally derive the electrostatic potential of submicron sized grains of fissionable material as a function of grain size as that material decays and fissions. Theory is unable to provide this knowledge. An experiment designed around the technology in use at the MSFC Dusty Plasma Laboratory has the potential to provide this knowledge, but no experiment like this has ever been done with fissionable material. To do this experiment safely and with sufficient control to obtain meaningful, quantitative results is very difficult.
The accomplishments of the last two fiscal years lead to the development and testing of an experimental apparatus capable of performing the experiment. The experience gained led to a plan to perform the experiment at Oakridge National Laboratory (ORNL) using a weak nitric acid salt solution of Cf-252.
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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.
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