Blockchain Distributed Ledger for Space Resource Access Control

This project will complement the New Observing Systems Testbed (NOS-T) framework by providing a blockchain capability within the context of a distributed Earth Observing system. Future NOS-like systems will dynamically control distributed assets with various functional capabilities (sensing, processing, transmission, etc.). For example, commercial sensors such as Planet Labs or Capella's can be tasked using web-based API's but it creates security challenges to control access to space-based resources in an autonomous operating mode. This project will study how a distributed ledger (or blockchain) may provide a robust and transparent record of resource provision requests and grants in a distributed system.

Advance Earth system science knowledge through the identification, development, and demonstration of innovative information systems technologies

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.

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.