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Innovative Navigation and Design Strategies Using Dynamical Systems Theory
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
The objective of this effort was to incorporate a low-thrust capability into the foundational dynamical system strategies and Cis-Lunar trajectory design tools developed at GSFC.
Benefits
This effort has immediate application to a confirmed mission, the Lunar IceCube mission, which is a low-thrust spacecraft to be deployed during the EM-1 SLS launch. This launch places the spacecraft on a heliocentric trajectory, and, only by using low thrust and the GSFC/Purdue-developed dynamical systems design, can it attain enter a lunar orbit. This process can be used by many future Cis-lunar designs, ranging from CubeSats to CEVs.
Details
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: GSFC CIF (GSFC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD |
| Start date | 2014-11-01 |
| End date | 2015-10-01 |
Project contacts
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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.
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