← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
This project will create a closed design for an aerocapture system for Ice Giants (Uranus and Neptune) missions and develop risk assessment for the state-of-the-art aerocapture subsystem. Using heritage, entry vehicle designs reduce risk and cost of development. In 2 years, proposal addresses aerocapture perceived risks by developing closed system design with risk assessment showcasing a realistic aerocapture system for Ice Giants as an enabling alternative
Uranus and Neptune are prime scientific destinations, but each takes 15+ years to reach, requiring large propellant mass for orbit insertion Aerocapture systems can robustly place orbiters around the Ice Giants while reducing transit time by 30%, increasing on-orbit mass by 40%, and reducing launch vehicle needs over current baseline of fully-propulsive orbit insertion Aerocapture addresses a gap for a fuel-efficient orbit insertion technique for Ice Giants, but never implemented due to perceived risks.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.