AIR (Ames Infrared) Imager Maturation

Proposed Goals/Objectives: Goal: Continue maturation of the versatile cost-effective Ames IR (AIR) imager; a tunable and robust hyperspectral imager with a spectral range from the visible to near infrared wavelengths to the short wavelength infrared (~0.4-2.1 μm). AIR is an in-house, first of its kind compact imager for space-based applications with no moving parts and low power/mass/cost; benefits exploration of our solar system, aligning with the NASA strategic documents, decadal survey, and analysis groups. Objectives: 1) Increase aperture by prototyping an off-axis reflective telescope and integrating into the Engineering Development Unit (EDU). 2) Investigate AIR application for the Moon and Mars.

Deliverables: Hardware prototyping, integration, and testing. Final report.

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.

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