Assessment of Quantum Enhanced Fiber Optic Gyroscopes for NASA Moon to Mars Missions

To determine whether quantum‑enhanced (QE) Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOGs) can close identified gyro‑performance gaps for lunar landing and optical communications by quantifying those gaps, comparing classical and quantum options, validating key performance mechanisms through laboratory rotation testing, and identifying TRL‑limiting barriers.

This effort seeks to provide a clear understanding of the performance levels required for fiber‑optic gyroscopes in lunar landing and deep‑space optical communication systems, along with an assessment of where quantum‑enhanced architectures can realistically meet those demands. By quantifying key performance tradeoffs and identifying any gaps or TRL‑limiting factors, the project will establish the technical basis needed to guide the next stage of development, such as targeted component improvements or benchtop validation campaigns.

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.