Elastocaloric Solid-state Thermal Regulation for Astronauts (ELASTRA)

To explore a new highly-efficient cooling technology, known as the elastocaloric effect (eCE) in shape memory alloys (SMAs), to support future space missions.

ELASTRA aims to develop solid state cooling by employing mechanical torsion in SMA tubes to drive the eCE instead of compression or tension, which have already been extensively investigated in prior work. This work will develop a system test-bed of effective scaling methods and optimal tube geometries for higher cooling rates.

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.