ULA Vulcan Engine Reuse Scale (VERS) HIAD Technology Demonstration (VERS)

Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 8)

Description

The company will continue to evolve a proven Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology design. ULA will develop a larger 10-meter HIAD that leverages a two-piece structure to enable effective load distribution for even larger inflatable decelerators.

Benefits

VERS will provide large scale HIAD risk reduction and maturation for flight applications.

Prove out the manufacturing process and develop a solid supply chain
Expand current HIAD testing program to burn down risk of scaling up the HIAD diameter
Investigate HIAD enhancements to increase load capability and L/D

Details

Technology area	Entry, Descent, and Landing > Aeroassist and Atmospheric Entry > Hypersonic Decelerators
Program	Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM)
Lead organization	United Launch Alliance, Denver, CO
Start date	2023-08-01
End date	2027-05-31

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Greg C Novy

How to get involved

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.