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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Build a prototype of our Tandem Ion Mass Spectrometer (TIMS), that can separate the mass and charge of atomic ions and can separate atomic and molecular ions of similar mass-per-charge ratio (M/Q). This prototype TIMS currently has the opportunity to fly on a sounding rocket in FY25 as a technology demonstration instrument. One of the main innovative aspects of TIMS is the capability of a really low noise floor, allowing for the detection of minor ion species in a variety of plasma environments, including planetary magnetospheres (Earth’s included), the lunar environment, the solar wind and even interstellar space, therefore targeting a number of future mission opportunities.
The benefit of our Tandem IMS is that it can proposed for a range of missions on the near horizon such an Artemis Lander Mission to the lunar south pole and Artemis lunar orbiter mission. It can be used to measure the ion composition (mass and charge state separation capability) of the solar wind from Mercury to the outer Heliosphere. It can measure the interstellar pickup ions within the heliosphere on a mission to Uranus' magnetosphere, and an Interstellar Probe Mission to measure the plasma environment within the interstellar medium due to its multi-stop low noise design.
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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.
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