Ultrastable Structures Study (NGUS-STUDY)

Next-Gen Ultrastable Structures (NGUS) for In-space Observatories and Science Payloads StudyTo identify one or more technologies and concepts which can contribute toward creation of an ultrastable in-space observatory and perform a technical assessment using requirements derived from the Astrophysics 2020 Decadal survey and in collaboration with the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) working groups and SMD scientists . A particularly demanding example is the HWO recommended by the Astrophysics 2020 Decadal Survey which requires unprecedented stability and pointing accuracy. Isolated and quiet payloads are necessary to achieve ultrastability (~ 10s of picometers) to enable the coronagraph system on the HWO to reach the desired high level of contrast imaging. The results from this study will be used to identify technology gaps (e.g., materials, structures, active controls) and the associated performance metrics needed to guide follow-on technology road mapping and development efforts. This is a multidisciplinary problem requiring a broad set of skills to understand and effectively addresses the technical issues to develop a roadmap toward solutions. A three-pronged approach will be applied to investigate options for creating ultra stable structures for in-space applications. The team will identify and evaluate:Materials and material arrangements focusing on high stiffness and thermal stability (i.e. low or tailorable coefficient of thermal expansion),Novel mechanical designs and composite arrangements to minimize the influence of thermal loads and vibrations,Active thermal and mechanical systems to maintain dimensional stability within specified tolerances including thermal management, displacement control, and vibration isolation.Suggestions and recommendations will be documented in final report submitted at the end of the 12 month study.

​To find and study Earth-like planets around other stars (exoplanets), future observatories need to be able to isolate the faint light which passes through the atmosphere of exoplanets from the dominate light of their host stars. This requires telescope systems that are incredibly stable, free from even the slightest jitters or mirror motions which disturb these sensitive observations. Advanced technologies, like those identified in this study, are needed to enable these future observatories to achieve this level of stability, a level of in the range of tens of picometers, which is a thousand times more stable than the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The JWST is stable to tens of nanometers. The ability to detect and study the faint light passing through an exoplanet's atmosphere will enable us to look for signs of life on planets orbiting other stars. One such observatory currently being investigated is called the Habitual Worlds Observatory.  ​

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.