Magnetic Payload Separation Demonstration (MagSep), Year 2

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Patterned magnets for holding and releasing various payloads. This continuation effort is to fabricate and test previously designed "Heavy Lift" mechanism using a practical weight of 500 lb load. Data of interacting fields and effects on payload is of special interest. Results will be compared to traditional pyrotechnic and compressed air techniques.

Benefits

Reduced reliance on stored energy separation techniques such as pyrotechnics, leading to reduced shock, vibration, and potentially reduced safety requirements usually associated with stored energy devices.

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Mechanical Systems > Deployables, Docking, and Interfaces
Program	Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF)
Lead organization	Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA
Start date	2021-10-01
End date	2022-09-30

Project contacts

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

Paul S Bean — paul.bean@nasa.gov
John R Rudy — john.rudy@nasa.gov
Jonathan A Lokos — jonathan.a.lokos@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.