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Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)
Electric spacecraft thrusters are closely coupled with the spacecraft electrical, software, and thermal systems, whereas traditional chemical systems have a simpler interface. Integrated testing of smallsats shows that the software is well-defined and cannot harm the hardware, and that noisy output cannot impede the control of the system of a whole.
Integrating the flight hardware into an automated test system will allow for a true “test as you fly” approach that generates a meaningful amount of confidence that the control, telemetry, and behavior of the system are rigorous enough to be flown on smallsat missions.
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.
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