ULTRalight Advanced COMPosites (ULTRA-COMP)

The purpose of this task is to identify high-payoff applications for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials, structures, and manufacturing technologies that will enable mass savings in selected lunar and Martian exploration vehicles and habitat concepts. To achieve meaningful mass savings, development and infusion of advanced materials, structures, design and analysis tools, and manufacturing technologies is required. Technologies to be considered include, but are not limited to, the infusion of advanced materials such as nanomaterials, thermoset, and thermoplastic composites; advanced structural concepts such as highly tailored tow-steered composites; and advanced manufacturing techniques such as unitized construction, fiber-steered automated fiber placement (AFP), and newer highly flexible manufacturing methods such as continuous-fiber additive manufacturing (CFAM). Additionally, for any of these material, structural, or manufacturing technologies to be put into practice, they must have associated validated design and analysis tools. However, prior to any significant new investments, an effort is needed to inform the development and refinement of Technology Shortfalls, Capability Goals, and Roadmaps. This task directly aligns with the Game Changing Development program's goals to develop exploration technologies that enable sustainable living and working farther from Earth. Under this ITA, work will be performed to develop a better understanding of which Exploration elements would benefit most from various advanced composite technologies including laminated thermoplastic composites, highly tailored composites, and continuous fiber additive manufactured (CFAM) composites and the needed improvements to materials, manufacturing, and design and analysis tools to realize implementation in these Exploration elements. Initial work will be primarily in reviewing the state of the art and identifying promising technologies for follow-on activities, but some work advancing technologies will also begin during this effort where there is a clear need. Technologies requiring significant investments will be proposed for follow-on activities. Specifically, this task will start with literature review and high-level trades studies of primary and secondary structure will be performed to better understand the benefits of these advanced composite technologies over state-of-the-art metallic and composite structures. Additionally, reviews of the state of the art, promising advancements, and best practices for fabrication, design, and analysis will be performed and design and analysis tools will be developed. Where applicable, efforts will incorporate digital thread concepts, including automated data capture, data management, and traceability across materials, manufacturing, and structural analysis, to support future digital-twin capabilities and more efficient design and certification workflows. Engagement with NASA Exploration programs, industry, academia, and other government agencies will be made to understand the needs and to develop roadmaps for advanced composite structures. Finally, follow-on activities will be planned, and long-lead-time materials will be procured, and potential external partners identified.

The purpose of this task is to identify high-payoff applications for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials, structures, and manufacturing technologies that will enable mass savings in selected lunar and Martian exploration vehicles and habitat concepts. To achieve meaningful mass savings, development and infusion of advanced materials, structures, design and analysis tools, and manufacturing technologies is required. Technologies to be considered include, but are not limited to, the infusion of advanced materials such as nanomaterials, thermoset, and thermoplastic composites; advanced structural concepts such as highly tailored tow-steered composites; and advanced manufacturing techniques such as unitized construction, fiber-steered automated fiber placement (AFP), and newer highly flexible manufacturing methods such as continuous-fiber additive manufacturing (CFAM). Additionally, for any of these material, structural, or manufacturing technologies to be put into practice, they must have associated validated design and analysis tools. However, prior to any significant new investments, an effort is needed to inform the development and refinement of Technology Shortfalls, Capability Goals, and Roadmaps. This task directly aligns with the Game Changing Development program's goals to develop exploration technologies that enable sustainable living and working farther from Earth.

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.