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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The goal of this project is to develop ultralight flexible shielding film for extreme conditions, especially high temperature and space radiation during NASA missions. The shielding film consists of highly porous aerogel material reinforced by boron nitride nanofoam (BNNF) with unprecedented benefits including mechanical toughness, foldable/inflatable capability, extreme temperature stability, excellent thermal insulation and neutron radiation shielding.
The proposed shielding material can be an ideal protective insulation for space suits, spacecraft, inflatable structure for habitats and flexible TPS for re- entry decelerator. For military and industry applications, there is also a huge demand of lightweight flexible thermal/radiation shielding, including fire-resistant insulation for high power cables (e.g. U.S. Navy's all-electric ships), thermal insulation for deep-water oil pipes, fire- radiation protective cover for firefighters and nuclear plant workers, etc.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.