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Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 6)
Ion and neutral mass spectrometers for CubeSat applications will be expanded to a larger aperture. With the development of a tiny, gated time-of-flight spectrometer, GSFC will be strategically positioned to win future funding opportunities such as CubeSat constellation missions.
The objective of this proposal is to design, build, and test an engineering model of an ion neutral mass analyzer for CubeSat applications, with expanded aperture. This technology development follow-on proposal heavily leverages a previously developed Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS)—TRL 6—developed through FY14 IRAD, which will be modified to add capabilities beyond the current design.
The instrument can immediately be proposed to CubeSat opportunities, including NASA ROSES Low Cost Access to Space or NSF CubeSat-based Science Missions, after which it will be a good candidate for a CubeSat constellation mission under the Explorer AO.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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