Toward an X-ray Pulsar Navigation Experiment on the Lunar Gateway

Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)

Description

This project will infuse an XNAV simulation capability into JSC’s Integrated Power Avionics and Software (iPAS) technology maturation system, which serves the Lunar Gateway and other Human Exploration activities, e.g., Deep Space Transport, Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC). Scope includes XNAV software delivery, test, and train JSC staff on use of software-only standalone navigation simulation.

Benefits

We will develop and fully characterize the world's first laser based on a novel gain medium, Neodymium-doped Alumina (Nd:Al2O3). Once properly developed, this new material would dramatically simplify the complex packaging of current ultrashort pulse laser systems, enabling new space flight applications in the fields of planetary mass spectrometry, laser ranging and optical communications.

Details

Technology area	Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Network-Provided Position, Navigation, and Timing > Revolutionary PNT Technologies
Program	Center Innovation Fund: GSFC CIF (GSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Sean R Semper — sean.r.semper@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.