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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Demand is high for in situ measurements of atmospheric neutral composition, density, and winds not only for studies of the dynamic ionosphere-theremosphere-mesosphere system but simply to define the steady state background atmospheric conditions. This study looks at method to map the neutral wind environment.
The objective of this IRAD is to characterize the capability of specialized surfaces to produce secondary emissions in relation to incoming particle kinetic energy, the particle mass, and particle directionality as seen in the neutral wind environment.
Once the concept is proven and characterized, the next phase will be implementation and design into a neutral wind instrument system. At implementation, the new system will be tested and proposed for NASA flight missions.
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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.
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