MSFC Advanced X-Ray Optics: Formulation to Flight

There are only a few facilities in the world that develop advanced X-ray optics for spaceflight, of which Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is one of two in the U.S. (the other being GSFC). In providing this service to the community, we are enabling future discovery and are facilitating execution of the 2020 Astro Decadal recommendation that calls for a future X-ray Great Observatory and a broad portfolio that includes multi-wavelength astrophysics missions. Our objective is to develop, test, and calibrate advanced highangular-resolution (sub-arcsecond) mirrors and mirror assemblies for future strategic NASA missions, while continuing to supply the community with relatively-low-cost, moderate-resolution flight mirrors and world-class calibration. Decades of investment and internal research have resulted in a comprehensive, end-to-end, capability to design, fabricate, align and mount, coat, and calibrate research-grade and flight X-ray mirrors and assembles. With a focus on full-shell mirrors, MSFC optics advancements are not only relevant to Astrophysics, but also to Heliophysics and Planetary missions. MSFC’s optics support other government entities such as the National Ignition Facility, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Sandia National Laboratory as well. Capitalizing on MSFC’s expertise and facilities, a three-fiscal-year (FY) plan (FY23-FY25) of directed work is proposed that will allow MSFC to continue to support and advance the astronomy community into the future. Our plan to achieve and calibrate sub-arcsecond fullshell X-ray optics includes focused efforts on improving mirror replication, direct-polishing, mounting and alignment, coatings, postfabrication correction, metrology, and X-ray test and calibration. This comprehensive effort leverages funding from competed research programs, internal MSFC funding, and Internal Scientist Funding Model (ISFM) funding to provide breakthrough results at an accelerated rate.

The Internal Scientist Funding Model (ISFM) is a recently established direct-funding model after 3 years of pilot program, now established as permanent, whereby APD funds technology development work by NASA scientists through a separate channel than competed programs like APRA. APD may find it advisable to directly fund certain technology-development projects, e.g., for programmatic reasons such as ensuring NASA meets commitments made to international partners including the European Space Agency (ESA). Another reason may be to optimize the scientific and technological output of NASA scientists and technology developers.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.