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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The proposed project is to leverage an existing cryogenic ice desiccation testbed to properly characterize the sublimation rates of ices in in situ sample handling systems.
The work directly supports development and risk reduction for the Dragonfly mission, during which cryogenic ice samples of varying water-ammonia compositions are ingested and maintained under constant pressure and temperature conditions that deviate from the Titan environment. This work will also provide fundamental measurements of sublimation kinetics relevant for all icy world sampling missions, for binary ice systems that are extremely challenging to model.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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