Spectre

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

CubeSat Bimodal propulsion will transform CubeSat propulsion; enabling more versatile interplanetary science and exploration SmallSat missions. Specifically, bimodal propulsion is ideal for missions that require both high thrust and ultrafine pointing and stability.

Benefits

Bimodal (combined chemical and electric) propulsion represents a giant leap for SmallSat propulsion. It is the best of both - high thrust chemical and high efficiency electric from the same propellant feed system, enabling more versatile SmallSat missions in the future.

Details

Technology area	Propulsion Systems
Program	Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
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.

Daniel P Cavender — daniel.p.cavender@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.