Virtual Telescope for X-ray Observations

This proposal requests funding to develop a space-based Virtual Telescope for X-ray observations. This system will consist of two 6U-CubeSats; one carrying a Phased Fresnel Lens and the second an X-ray sensitive camera. The two CubeSats will fly in precision formation to form a very long focal length (> 100 m) telescope: a Virtual Telescope. This is intended as a demonstration flight that will showcase the feasibility of the Virtual Telescope approach and raise the Technology Readiness Level to the point where the technique can be proposed for a much larger NASA mission. This multidisciplinary project involves researchers from New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico working in collaboration with researchers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The project addresses two Technology Areas from the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Technology Roadmap: X-ray optics and multi-spacecraft formation flying, navigation, and control. The science enabled by this technology is closely tied to the Strategic Goals of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in the Heliophysics and Astrophysics Divisions. This project aligns with two areas listed in A Science and Technology Roadmap for New Mexico’s Future: 1) Challenge #4 Producing more technologists to satisfy projected workforce needs and 2) New Mexico’s Major Technology Clusters - Aerospace. In addition, this proposal supports the workforce needs of LANL, Sandia, AFRL and the Spaceport America. Goals and Objectives: The program’s overarching goals are to: 1. develop expertise and research capacity within New Mexico that increases the State’s national competitiveness in the area of instrument development and astrophysics. 2. increase the number of faculty engaged in research partnerships NASA while growing research opportunities for students that prepare them for the workforce needs of NASA and the commercial space industry. The specific goals that will be achieved through a close collaborative effort with GSFC are to: 1. develop the attitude control & determination and maneuvering technologies needed to precision fly two 6U CubeSats. Provide the 6U structure and bus for the CubeSats. This effort will culminate in a demonstration flight of the Virtual Telescope. 2. develop and characterize the X-ray optics (lens and camera) needed to image X-ray sources. For the demonstration flight, the observing targets include X-ray producing solar flares and bright, astrophysics X-ray sources such as the Crab Nebula. 3. understand and quantify the scientific gains enabled by the development of the Virtual Telescope technology and develop science goals for future, larger scale missions. 4. develop the spacecraft bus for both 6U CubeSat elements. 5. engage students in research experiences that will provide real world applications of their STEM skills while encouraging degree completion and degree advancement (Masters and PhD’s).

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.