← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The use of Monolithic Microwave Integrate Circuit (MMIC) technology has the potential to improve flight instrument systems by reducing size, weight and power (SWaP) footprints. MMIC radars are currently being tested in SWaP limited applications. This new IRAD builds on the findings of the previous IRADs that developed W Band antennas, identified and tested a W Band COTS radar, and designed a W Band circuit board probe. This IRAD integrated a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) MMIC radar, a custom low sideline W Band Antenna, and Data Processing Unit into a standalone radar system. This miniature standalone radar system has the potential use for Earth and Planetary Science Applications.
This millimeter-wave system can provide precipitation out to hundreds of meters. Thus, providing advance scientific knowledge about the Earth system near the surface. DS areas of Aerosols, Clouds, Convection, and Precipitation (ACCP), in part, and the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL), as a whole, present significant complexity due to the proximity of the lower atmosphere to the Earth’s surface.
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.