HyperSTEP: Hypersonic Entry Test Platform

Hypersonic flight introduces unique challenges to the mission and vehicle design process. Compounding these challenges are limited opportunities for testing new technologies in these extreme environments due to the higher costs of reaching hypersonic speeds. This stymies progress in the state of the art for entry technologies. By partnering with the DoD and leveraging prior investments in cost-cutting technologies; NASA is able to create a low-cost; hypersonic fight test platform for advancing entry technologies. Access to flight data from repeated testing will strengthen heritage tools and accelerate the maturation and infusion of new technologies into NASA missions.

AFRL has agreed to contribute $2.2M towards the development of HyperSTEP if JSC/ARC can co-invest an additional $600K (spread out over 3 years). The HyperSTEP Project started through an EIF investment in FY22-23 and utilizes low-cost; rapid development techniques (from Seeker; R5; Maraia). Anticipated benefits include: 1) A platform to efficiently take new EDL technologies (GNC; TPS; avionics; & propulsion) from design to hardware to flight. 2) A flight-tested entry vehicle design that can be leveraged by various commercial companies who seek to develop a more advanced Earth Return Vehicle for LEO or cislunar payload / sample return capability. 3) A much better understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with a mid-L/D entry vehicle; which is one of the two leading candidates for a future human-class Mars lander and the primary design shape for SpaceX’s Starship.

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.