IMPRESS: Iterative Mars Penetrator for Subsurface Science

Active TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 6)

Description

The IMPRESS (Iterative Mars Penetrator for Subsurface Science) system by Guinn Partners is a way to deploy swarms of small-scale aircraft across the Martian terrain at a low cost. IMPRESS comprises multiple probes that share a shielded entry vehicle. The probes penetrate the planetary surface and use electronic sensors that search for traces of water or microbial life. Each probe deploys radio beacons that map the local geography to help future missions touch down safely. At ~$3,000 per probe, IMPRESS makes subsurface science on Mars affordable for organizations of any scale.

Problem Statement
Previous models of planetary penetrator probes—despite being impressive feats of engineering—were expensive to produce, had little room for modular customization, and were usually intended to be launched in isolation. Guinn Partners’ IMPRESS is a system for launching large swarms of probes across the Martian surface at an affordable cost. Multiple organizations can buy and customize probes in “rideshare” Mars missions. IMPRESS probes also bring several design innovations to the penetrator probe concept, such as aerodynamic airbrakes that regulate terminal velocity and control impact.

Technology Maturation
The goal of flight testing is to assess the IMPRESS probes’ ability to survive impact and flight testing. The insights yielded by Flight Opportunities flight testing will not only improve and validate the IMPRESS system but will help similar subsurface or penetrator projects improve their own high velocity survival as well.

Benefits

Penetrators can be integrated into future missions in several ways. While an initial technology demonstration would validate feasibility, the true value lies in their scalability. Deploying a swarm of small spacecraft offers unique advantages: surveying wide regions, enabling cost-effective subsurface exploration, and creating resilient networks of interconnected nodes. Even with partial failures, a penetrator swarm can function as a distributed system, advancing the study of Mars as a dynamic planetary body—one of the central goals of the Mars Exploration Program.

Potential customers for an IMPRESS rideshare mission include national space agencies seeking more science at lower cost, private companies pursuing resource prospecting, and research institutions focused on subsurface investigations. Additional commercial opportunities exist through offering rideshare slots for art installations, personal items, cremated remains, or memorabilia, opening participation to the global public.

The proposers’ primary motivation is to enable astrobiological investigation of the Martian subsurface within this decade. Yet, penetrators also unlock a wide spectrum of investigations: geophysical (seismic, geothermal, magnetotelluric, etc.), geochemical, and resource-focused studies. Each probe’s aftbody remains on the surface as a communications relay, extending the utility of the network. These surface nodes can support meteorological monitoring, while a properly equipped array could also provide ranging and guidance for precision landings of future spacecraft.

Details

Technology area	Entry, Descent, and Landing > Landing > Touchdown Systems
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Guinn Partners, Austin, TX
Start date	2025-06-01
End date	2027-06-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Mike Reimers
Craig Nehrkorn

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.

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.