Firing Mechanism Concept Design and Testing Infrastructure Development for application to a Sample Acquisition System or other Spacecraft-based Projectile Launching Operation

he team's objective was to analyze, design, build, and test a firing mechanism for the sample retrieving projectile (SaRP). The launcher is to serve as both a test launcher that can fire multiple test projectiles and as a backup for the pyrotechnic flight system. The work began with the modeling and design of both a pyrotechnic and a pressurized device. Ultimately, the team aimed to characterize the flight pyrotechnic system and to integrate a simpler pressurization system into the harpoon test stand.

Since this launcher can be used to fire any type of projectile with a mass of about 2 kg to velocities of up to 50 m/s, many applications exist. GSFC is in a unique position to develop state-of-the-art ballistic systems needed for the upcoming New Frontiers Announcement of Opportunity for a Sample Acquisition System (SAS) expected in 2016 or other future spacecraft applications. The Comet Surfer mission, for example, already has expressed interest in this design and some work has been completed to enable its use.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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