In-Space Brazing for ISAM Applications

This study proposes to develop a new vacuum brazing system for in-space assembly and repair. Initially the work will be targeted to propulsion systems (as a more stringent test) - but can be extended to structural elements of telescopes and other large assemblies. The resulting prototype will be a low SWaP-C system able to be used on small satellites for ease of demonstration.

There are currently no mature metal joining technologies available for satellite servicing or in-orbit assembly. Brazing offers the greatest flexibility and the safest, lowest-cost approach to hermetic & strong joints for metals and ceramics. There are benefits to servicing critical assets, assembling large telescopes, deorbit / passivation, as well as human-operated tooling for assembly.

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.