Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint for Evaluating Capsule Dynamic Stability (uPSP)

This project aims to enhance NASA’s ability to predict dynamic instability in planetary entry capsules by developing an advanced pressure measurement technique. By capturing detailed pressure data on capsule backshells during transonic flight; the project seeks to improve CFD simulations; aiding in the design and stability of high-profile missions like Orion and Mars Sample Return.

This project benefits NASA by providing advanced pressure measurement techniques to improve the accuracy of CFD simulations for planetary entry capsules. By addressing dynamic instability issues in the transonic regime; it enhances mission safety and reliability for high-profile missions like Orion and Mars Sample Return; offering critical data for future capsule designs.

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.

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