Scalable Optically-tuned Lamellar cerAmic Reflective Intra-heliospheric Sail (SOLARIS) (SOLARIS)

We propose Scalable Optically-tuned Lamellar cerAmic Reflective Intra-heliospheric Sail (SOLARIS), an innovative solar sail designed to explore the inner heliosphere extremely close to the Sun (perihelion of 0.03 AU, or ~6.45 solar radii). SOLARIS employs a scalable, three-layer ceramic structure with honeycomb-corrugated geometry, optimized for thermal stability (up to 2000 K, 3-4 times higher than polymer solar sails), structural integrity, and constructive optical interference. At this distance (0.03 AU) and temperatures (~2000 K, assuming absorptivity of 0.007 and emissivity of 0.08), SOLARIS significantly improves thermal resilience compared to traditional polymer-based sails (e.g., aluminized polyimide), while maintaining low areal density, high broadband reflectivity, and ease of scaling beyond 1600 m². Importantly, our scalable fabrication process does not require photo or e-beam lithography. SOLARIS provides critical capabilities for heliophysics and interplanetary science, especially for NASA missions requiring a large Delta-v (through Oberth maneuver), such as (1) high-inclination solar imaging, (2) out-of-the-ecliptic maneuvering, (3) accessing hard-to-reach asteroids, and (4) fast transit to the solar gravity lens. In comparison, traditional aluminized polyimide sails (IKAROS) operate under 600 K and cannot safely approach within even 0.2 AU of the Sun. The anticipated outcome of this Phase I project is to provide NASA scientists with Goeppert’s proof-of-concept development of the three-layer, honeycomb-corrugated, broadband-reflective ceramic sail. The funding sought in this proposal is intended for the modeling, fabrication, and characterization of SOLARIS. This work sets the stage for further collaboration with NASA MSFC team to align our work to their needs. Target markets include next-generation heliophysics and interplanetary science missions led by NASA and private space companies, as well as the industry of high-temperature reflective materials.

We propose Scalable Optically-tuned Lamellar cerAmic Reflective Intra-heliospheric Sail (SOLARIS), an innovative solar sail designed to explore the inner heliosphere extremely close to the Sun (perihelion of 0.03 AU, or ~6.45 solar radii). SOLARIS employs a scalable, three-layer ceramic structure with honeycomb-corrugated geometry, optimized for thermal stability (up to 2000 K, 3-4 times higher than polymer solar sails), structural integrity, and constructive optical interference. At this distance (0.03 AU) and temperatures (~2000 K, assuming absorptivity of 0.007 and emissivity of 0.08), SOLARIS significantly improves thermal resilience compared to traditional polymer-based sails (e.g., aluminized polyimide), while maintaining low areal density, high broadband reflectivity, and ease of scaling beyond 1600 m². Importantly, our scalable fabrication process does not require photo or e-beam lithography. SOLARIS provides critical capabilities for heliophysics and interplanetary science, especially for NASA missions requiring a large Delta-v (through Oberth maneuver), such as (1) high-inclination solar imaging, (2) out-of-the-ecliptic maneuvering, (3) accessing hard-to-reach asteroids, and (4) fast transit to the solar gravity lens. In comparison, traditional aluminized polyimide sails (IKAROS) operate under 600 K and cannot safely approach within even 0.2 AU of the Sun. The anticipated outcome of this Phase I project is to provide NASA scientists with Goeppert’s proof-of-concept development of the three-layer, honeycomb-corrugated, broadband-reflective ceramic sail. The funding sought in this proposal is intended for the modeling, fabrication, and characterization of SOLARIS. This work sets the stage for further collaboration with NASA MSFC team to align our work to their needs. Target markets include next-generation heliophysics and interplanetary science missions led by NASA and private space companies, as well as the industry of high-temperature reflective materials. Our SOLARIS technology offers several potential applications beyond NASA: (1) Fine attitude control for small satellites and CubeSats. By tuning the vacuum gap, our device could demonstrate reflectivity change, enabling precise and energy-efficient attitude control for small spacecraft, especially in missions with tight power and weight constraints. (2) Dynamic optimization for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. SOLARIS can be adapted for terrestrial CSP panels to dynamically control reflected sunlight by tuning the vacuum gap. (3) Dynamic holography and displays. Our technology could enable advanced displays or holograms where controllable reflectivity enhances image fidelity or creates dynamic effects. (4) Advanced aviation technologies. Adaptive highly reflective surfaces could be applied to aircraft for heat management, improving efficiency in high-altitude flight where solar radiation is intense. Remarkably, the global reflective materials market size was valued at $14.2B in 2023 with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. Our potential non-NASA customers are: (1) Federal space agencies: Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force. (2) Private space companies: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Redwire, Sierra Space. (3) Solar companies: Solar Negotiators, NRG Clean Power. (4) Holography companies: Hypervsn, Axiom Holographics, 8i. (5) Aviation: Boeing, Airbus, Northrop Grumman.

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.