← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
The proposed method leverages natural surface tension of liquids to create nanometer-smooth optical surfaces. Bringing an optical liquid into contact with a bounding frame made of a material with high affinity to the liquid results in pinning of the liquid to the frame. In microgravity, the resulting shape of the component is defined by the frame geometry and liquid volume used. The shape of the component can be controlled dynamically. Alternatively, if the liquid is curable, the optical component can be cured into a solid object. A mirror coating can then be applied to a cured surface. The approach has been successfully tested on Earth under neutral buoyancy conditions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.