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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
The goal of this research is to significantly reduce the mass and development time/cost for all NASA projects which have mechanical structures by further advancing Generative Design and Digital Manufacturing. This work builds on the successful FY22 IRAD, which demonstrated 2x-4x improvement in structural performance (mass/stiffness/strength) and 5x-10x reduced development time/cost for small to mid-sized metallic structures, by extending the technology applications to large truss structures, composite structures, serviceable flexure systems, lightweight optics, and bionic structures.
NASA expends significant time and resources developing structures for spaceflight; the majority of mission mass is usually structure. Generative Design and Digital Manufacturing can radically reduce the development time by 5x-10x while also increasing the mass/stiffness/strength performance by 2x-4x. This study applies these game-changing technologies to large truss structures, composite structures, serviceable flexure systems, lightweight optics, and bionic structures.
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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.
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