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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
Develop a soil and simulant characterization rig for quantifying materials to use in an optimization-based computational modeling and design toolchain for ISRU tools.
A physics-based computational design tool that incorporates environmental variables like soil properties, vacuum, and reduced gravity will enable the creation of ISRU tools and surface assets that are optimized for size, weight, power, reliability, and other factors critical to human and autonomous exploration.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.
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