← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Smart Polyimide Expandable Collector to enable Investigations for Earth Science (SPECIES) (SPECIES)
Completed
TRL 3
Description
The Smart Polyimide Expandable Collector to enable Investigations for Earth Science (SPECIES) project will design and fabricate deployable diffractive optics, specifically, Multi-layer Fresnel Zone Plates (MLFZPs), and a deployment mechanism with a path to space for lidar applications. The team at LaRC will now look to a commercial partner to fabricate a single deployment mechanism (MMA) and fabricate FZPs (Nexolve) from a mold created at LaRC. The goal is to develop 6" FZP prototypes and then manufacture at least one 24" FZP. The structure will still be tested using a ground-based lidar and the design for a future space instrument will be produced by the end of the project.
Benefits
Increase scientific understanding of natural phenomena using remote sensing.
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Optical Components |
| Program | Earth Science (ESD) |
| Lead organization | Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA |
| Start date | 2021-07-01 |
| End date | 2026-06-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.