Power System Electronics (PSE) Development for SmallSat Technology

Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

We develop a modular Power System Electronics (PSE) that is reliable, efficient, and flexible to meet the Goddard Modular Smallsat Architecture (GMSA) challenge. With GSFC careful in-house design, we will have control over testing and manufacturing to produce a high quality, affordable PSE compatible with the Common Electronics Board (CEB), and be able to adapt interface and mechanical form factor that directly support NASA’s small satellite missions.

To design and implement an in-house flight modular Power System Electronics (PSE) suitable for small satellite science missions; especially to support the Goddard Modular Smallsat Architecture (GMSA).

This research will have the following direct return on investment:

In-house design reduces risk because we take control over all phases: design, parts selection, layout, assembly, integration and test, and tailor them to meet any unique science mission.
We first focus on circuit functionality to be tested with automotive EE components for smaller footprint, lower cost, and short lead time. In the meantime, we consider space-grade components as an optional recommendation for future missions which involved in a specific radiation environment. The risk will be reduced by validating the final architecture, performing the initial component market searches, testing candidate components, and demonstrating a working prototype board.

Benefits

Goddard Modular Smallsat Architecture (GMSA)

Cubesat and Smallsat.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Electronics
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2014-10-01
End date	2016-09-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Wesley A Powell — wesley.a.powell@nasa.gov
Hanson C Nguyen — hanson.nguyen@nasa.gov
Melyane Ortiz-acosta — melyane.ortiz-acosta-1@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.