Scalable Cellular Infrastructure Technology (SCI-Tech)

Modular, low-cost structural systems can be utilized to build infrastructural elements such as bridges, walls, enclosures, and pads. These types of structures will be needed for future lunar and Martian missions. System benefits such as repairability and extensibility make modularity beneficial in reduction of risk and enabling large scale systems to be built incrementally, which in turn reduces complexity and cost. In addition, due to the mass-critical aspects of space exploration which result from launch vehicle capabilities, there is a need for our structures to provide mission-responsive performance, rather than a “one size fits all” approach. The goal of this CIF is to develop and build a large scale (>10m) structure with high performance, adaptability, and efficiency which would be beneficial for future space missions. To address the project goals, this effort will focus on three main challenge, which must be considered simultaneously, but executed sequentially:1) Design: given a large parameter space for infrastructure, how do we determine what a cellular structure’s behavior should be, and how can we demonstrate this on the scale of a CIF? 2) Production: given finite resources, how can we leverage best-practice manufacturing, at low cost, to produce a high-performance, scalable structural system? and 3) Testing: given a design challenge (ie: span 50’ with 60 psf load rating), how do we efficiently build and characterize a structure of this scale to demonstrate key performance parameters?

-Modular lattice structures up to 5m (Jenett, 2016), with need for mass-production and extension of structural performance -Mass production of cm-scale modular lattice parts (Gregg, 2018), used to make 4m scale ultralight aerostructure (Cramer, 2019) -Bridge-in-backpack technology (U Maine, 2013-present) demonstrates modularity for rapid, high performance infrastructure -Infrastructure scale additive mfg. (Khoshnevis, TU Eindhoven) shows feasibility, yet challenges remain for consistent mechanical properties and resulting structural performance.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.