RollaTruss (RollaTruss)

The Rollatruss project will develop materials, manufacturing processes, and deployment technologies for lightweight deployable composites supporting in-space and surface (lunar or Mars) application (e.g., towers, trusses, and other load-bearing structures). This effort supports ENABLE technology goal AMSM002 to “Demonstrate materials, structures, and manufacturing technologies that will enable innovative ultralightweight exploration vehicles and habitats for Moon to Mars (M2M) missions.” Alignment to STMD Strategic Framework: • SF19: Provide efficient, outfitted habitation capable of long duration missions. o 19.02: Provide mass-efficient habitat structures capable of supporting mission relevant crew size and duration. Reference ESDMD #0306 for specific details. • SF27: Emplace and maintain large, stable space platforms and observatories. o 27.05: Create and evolve systems beyond current launch size limitations. Develop draft project plan and prepare for project approval review. Successful completion of the project approval review approves the project to proceed to implementation. The scope of work for the Project Formulation phase is to develop a final project plan, a life cycle cost, a schedule, and an initial Technology Readiness Assessment. A project plan template will be provided by STMD. The intent of the completed scope-of-work is the Decision Authority approves the project to move from Formulation to Implementation. During the formulation phase, a full project plan will be developed (in accordance with NPR 7120.8) addressing overall lifecycle scope, which will include workforce planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, configuration management, and data management. The project plan will address transition of the technology to the Surface Infrastructure Domain for application integration (for example, communications tower). The project team will develop and deliver a phasing plan (including justification) for the allocated FY2026 funds identified in Table 2. Additionally, the team will initiate a study on infusion of the deployable composite truss into a high-priority application.

The Rollatruss project will develop materials, manufacturing processes, and deployment technologies for lightweight deployable composites supporting in-space and surface (lunar or Mars) application (e.g., towers, trusses, and other load-bearing structures). This effort supports ENABLE technology goal AMSM002 to “Demonstrate materials, structures, and manufacturing technologies that will enable innovative ultralightweight exploration vehicles and habitats for Moon to Mars (M2M) missions.” Alignment to STMD Strategic Framework: • SF19: Provide efficient, outfitted habitation capable of long duration missions. o 19.02: Provide mass-efficient habitat structures capable of supporting mission relevant crew size and duration. Reference ESDMD #0306 for specific details. • SF27: Emplace and maintain large, stable space platforms and observatories. o 27.05: Create and evolve systems beyond current launch size limitations. Develop draft project plan and prepare for project approval review. Successful completion of the project approval review approves the project to proceed to implementation. The scope of work for the Project Formulation phase is to develop a final project plan, a life cycle cost, a schedule, and an initial Technology Readiness Assessment. A project plan template will be provided by STMD. The intent of the completed scope-of-work is the Decision Authority approves the project to move from Formulation to Implementation. During the formulation phase, a full project plan will be developed (in accordance with NPR 7120.8) addressing overall lifecycle scope, which will include workforce planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, configuration management, and data management. The project plan will address transition of the technology to the Surface Infrastructure Domain for application integration (for example, communications tower). The project team will develop and deliver a phasing plan (including justification) for the allocated FY2026 funds identified in Table 2. Additionally, the team will initiate a study on infusion of the deployable composite truss into a high-priority application.

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.