← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
The proposed effort would be completed with the assistance of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT); a partnership, for production of the simulant in the future, with the interested Sioux Tribes will be investigated.
The work aligns with the goals of the MMPACT project, as well as Technology Taxonomy area 7.1 In-Situ Resource Utilization, as all technologies interacting with martian surface materials must be tested in a relevant (simulant) environment.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.