← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
We propose to develop and mature the Shadow Chaser SIMPLEx mission concept to perform stellar occultation (SO) measurements of Uranus and Neptune (U&N) from Earth orbit to transform our understanding of the thermospheres of these Ice Giants, the last class of planets to be explored by an orbiter. The key progress to be enabled by Shadow Chaser over Voyager 2 and ground-based SO measurements is the vastly improved data quality to be returned by the proposed mission concept. After completing this project, the concept will be mature enough to be proposed to the SIMPLEx AO expected in FY24, which, if funded for flight, would further improve the chances of a future Neptune mission incorporating LaRC’s aerocapture technologies. We anticipate that technical challenges may introduce difficulties in achieving design closure for the mission concept’s point design, and have a plan to credibly descope the mission requirements (number of SO measurements, optical aperture etc) to deliver a closed point design that may be scaled down from the motivating scientific ambitions. Shadow Chaser will directly address a priority question stated in the latest planetary decadal survey, and places LaRC to play key roles in future missions to U&N.
The main objective for the current period of performance is to complete a closed point design for the Shadow Chaser mission concept with sufficient maturity to be proposed to the expected SIMPLEx AO in FY24. During the prior year, even though the proposal was not fully funded, we identified SO opportunities for U&N in 2025-2035, determined the instrument performance requirements, and we are on track to determine the delta-V requirements after the spacecraft enters its science orbit. After leveraging the IRAD funding to mature the concept, we will develop a proposal to be submitted to the next SIMPLEx AO for which the latest decadal survey recommended a $80M cost cap for each mission. If the current proposal is not funded, the Shadow Chaser will not be ready to be proposed to the upcoming SIMPLEx AO expected sometime in FY24, which would also represent a lost opportunity to expand LaRC’s roles in future Flagship and New Frontiers missions to U&N. The scientific data to be returned by Shadow Chaser will significantly benefit LaRC interests because the reduced uncertainties in U&N’s upper atmospheric structures will significantly alleviate the risk of incorporating aerocapture, a LaRC technology of strategic importance, in a future Neptune mission.
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.
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.