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MIDAS-MACG: Modular Interoperable Distributed Avionics and Software for Multi-Axis motor Control with GaN FET

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Description

Moon to Mars success hinges on industry meeting cost and schedule constraints. Avionics, software, and motor control represent critical technology areas across programs and bespoke solutions currently hinder agile design changes and amplify risk. This project will a develop a modular multi-axis motor controller based on cutting-edge, highly-efficient Gallium Nitride(GaN) technology, delivering a low-cost, plug-and-play radiation-tolerant reference design to guide industry in safely reducing costs.​

Benefits

This project ​delivers modular hardware, firmware, and software for high-effieciency multi-axis motor control with Gallium Nitride technology offering 70% smaller and 50% less power compared to state of the art SiC FETs​.

Details

Technology areaRobotic Systems > Robotics Integration > Modularity, Commonality, and Interfaces
ProgramAgency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD)
Lead organizationJohnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date2026-02-01
End date2026-09-30

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.