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Traction Enhancement Device for Robotic Excavation, Construction and Mining Platforms (TED)
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Description
Provide a novel Traction Enhancement Device (TED) modular implement for the next generation excavator and mobility platforms, that will be used to meet NASA’s needs for lunar site preparation and construction with bulk regolith and rocks.
Benefits
TRL 5 Proof of Concept Traction Enhancement Device (TED) establishing feasibility of providing enough enhanced traction to provide reaction force for regolith front end loader bucket and bulldozer implements and provide novel and superior slope climbing and descent capabilities. Enable higher-force excavation to allow larger regolith loads during operations, including the excavation and manipulation of large rocks and the ability to climb uphill slopes as steep as a 35 degree gradient and descend even steeper slopes, under control, on hills and craters.
Details
| Technology area | Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Acquisition, Isolation, and Preparation |
| Program | Agency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD) |
| Lead organization | Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, FL |
| Start date | 2026-10-01 |
| End date | 2027-09-30 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
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.