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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We propose crystal radiation shielding, to solve the space radiation problem by special design and arrangement of crystals surrounding a spacecraft. The breakthrough over existing methods is to use crystal shielding to deflect GCR particles from entering a spacecraft. After completing this project, a long duration human space mission will prevent radiation from impacting astronauts. We anticipate that obstacles might derail our project and have other mitigation strategies to deliver partial solutions.
The risk of not selecting this proposed project is that LaRC will lose the opportunity to maintain and advance its reputation as a leader in innovative extreme environmental testing. The Agency will also miss out on the prospect to more rapidly advance durable materials concepts to application, jeopardizing development of lunar dust tolerant technologies critically needed to enable a sustainable lunar presence. The extreme environment wear testbed will be a game-changing testing capability that will enable testing of materials at a variety of levels of development to fully identify and ultimately enable disruptive materials technologies and concepts to advance NASA’s missions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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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