← Back to NASA Technology Projects
A Miniature INMS for VLEO satellites
Active
Description
The goal of this proposal is to optimize the Heliophysics Science Division’s miniature Ion-Neutral Mass Spectrometer (mini-INMS) instrument for VLEO applications including sensitivity, atomic oxygen resistance and low SWaP. The effort will support a VLEO technology demonstration mission in 2027
Benefits
Develops mini-INMS (Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer) for very low Earth orbit (vLEO) operations; Enables thermospheric composition measurements for improved atmospheric modeling; Provides critical data for satellite drag prediction and space situational awareness
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Field and Particle Detectors |
| Program | Agency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD) |
| Lead organization | Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD |
| Start date | 2025-11-01 |
| End date | 2026-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
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.