Environments and Dust Mitigation Analysis (EDM - Analysis Task)

This task aims to characterize existing gaps in performance and architecture risks associated with lunar dust, lunar environmental conditions (extreme temperatures, radiation), Martian dust, and Martian environmental conditions. Architecture risks encompass spacecraft design, structures, and mechanical systems. The task aims to quantify the impact of technology solutions by developing metrics including operational lifetime, failure rates, maintenance requirements, and other functional parameters. The study methodology will follow a trade study approach, including literature reviews and analysis of existing data. Both space-specific technologies and potential adaptations of commercial/terrestrial solutions will be considered. Key outcomes will include identifying technologies requiring further development and formulating preliminary, non-binding prioritization to advance these and other architecture-driven solutions. Key deliverables will include a comprehensive Summary on the State of the Art (SOA) in each of the identified technology areas, documenting current capabilities, limitations, and performance gaps. Additionally, the study will produce detailed Technology Development Plans that outline specific pathways for maturing critical technologies, including recommended testing protocols, development milestones, and resource requirements. These deliverables will support identifying technologies requiring further development and formulating preliminary, non-binding prioritization to advance these and other architecture-driven solutions. For the rover tire technology area, NASA GRC is developing new high load capacity, lightweight rover tire technologies that utilize tightly packed shape memory alloy (SMA) fabrics, with potential benefits for lightweight commercial rovers (<100kg) as well as in spacesuits. SMAs are a unique and special class of materials that, when treated properly, exhibit ‘superelastic’ properties, allowing tires to effectively undergo 30X more reversible deformation without damage as compared to traditional metals. One objective is to push the technology to operating temperatures of -240 oC, which requires new alloy development; that material development is already being funded in parallel by Extravehicular Activity & Human Surface Mobility Program (EHP). For this task, initial research will begin to assess SOA in fabric production, through vendor site visits and SMA wire/fabric sample purchases for assessment.

This task aims to characterize existing gaps in performance and architecture risks associated with lunar dust, lunar environmental conditions (extreme temperatures, radiation), Martian dust, and Martian environmental conditions. Architecture risks encompass spacecraft design, structures, and mechanical systems. The task aims to quantify the impact of technology solutions by developing metrics including operational lifetime, failure rates, maintenance requirements, and other functional parameters. The study will identify areas for further technology maturation and formulate forward-work recommendations (including research projects, technology development programs, partnerships, and funding initiatives) to facilitate infusion. The task involves conducting a multi-center study lead by Glenn Research Center (GRC), with Johnson Space Center (JSC) providing necessary support, to assess the performance and feasibility of environments and dust mitigation technology in relation to architecture needs and Moon to Mars (M2M) objectives. The initial focus will be on three specific technology areas: 1. Compliant rover tires for high loads and long duration in extreme environments. 2. Dust-tolerant bearings for Lunar and Martian surface operations. 3. Cold-tolerant, dust-tolerant, low-leakage seals.

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.