Optimization of a laser remote sensing magnetometer

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

The project would conduct optimization experiments on the bench-top magnetometer, build and integrate the results of the now completed Office of Naval Research (ONR) study with our work, and further explore mission concepts and link budgets.

There are several tasks involved in this project: optimization of excitation wavelength distribution, the laser spectral energy distribution, the laser polarization, and the optimum optical receiver configuration, in order to recover scalar and some vector magnetic fields of importance to both planetary and terrestrial solid body, and magnetospheric/heliospheric science.

Benefits

For remote sensing of magnetic fields at Mars via an orbital mission to the red planet and other planetary targets.

Details

Technology area	Thermal Management Systems > Thermal Protection Components and Systems > Thermal Protection Systems
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2015-10-01
End date	2017-09-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Brook Lakew — brook.lakew-1@nasa.gov
Michael J Amato — michael.j.amato@nasa.gov
Michael E Purucker — michael.e.purucker@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.