Martian Surface Environment Simulation Capability

We are asking for ~$140K for materials and labor to prototype the thermal control system needed to simulate the Martian atmosphere in V20. To support the Martian atmosphere capability of V20, a conceptual design to allow for better thermal control has been developed for one of the smaller TVAC chambers. In addition to matching the pressure and composition of the Martian Atmosphere, it is necessary to achieve better temperature control for Martian Atmosphere testing. Temperature control with the existing 13 Zone LN2 shroud presents challenges when simulating the Martian environment. In addition, the secondary benefit of this project will be a smaller, non-dirty TVAC chamber that will also be able to support Martian Atmosphere environmental testing for smaller component development and qualification testing.

The big challenge in simulating the MARS Atmosphere is thermal conditioning. Even with the low pressure CO2 atmosphere, losses on the order of tens of kW of cooling capacity through natural convection to the chamber walls.

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.