← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 5 (started at 2, targeting 5)
This project will perform a thorough investigation of the ability of current sensor technology to be applied to a parachute canopy in order to measure strain. We will survey available strain sensor technology and select candidate sensors, develop adherance methods alongside Airborne Systems, test sensors uniaxially, biaxially, both statically and dynamically with help from UML, and perform wind tunnel tests with the sensor(s) on a subscale parachute.
The success of this project will provide a means to gather strain data on specific points of a parachute canopy. This data will be used to validate parachute models and define safety margins for parachutes, thus reducing risk to all missions involving parachutes.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.