← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 4)
The primary objective of this study is to develop advanced CubeSat stellar sensors for Formation Flying/Relative Navigation missions.
This study is a technology demonstration to advance CubeSat capabilities for astrophysical measurements. The objective is to develop advanced CubeSat stellar sensors for Formation Flying/Relative Navigation missions. This study will result in the complete development and characterization of miniaturized cameras and software processing algorithms with multi-mode capability.
NASA is in a unique position to develop world-class, space-qualified pointing and alignment stellar sensor hardware unseen in the commercial world. This will ultimately lead to developing future missions for virtual telescope demonstrations and other CubeSats/SmallSats in Heliophysics and Astrophysics.
The commercial space industry will continue to a have an important role in NASA proximity operations, exploration and distributed missions. Thus, the research will enable them to develop and support future missions systems for exceptional scientific discoveries.
The development of the miniaturized a inertial alignment sensor allows other governmental agencies pursue distributed mission concepts for enhanced space weather imaging and/or forecasting networks in various Heliocentric orbits.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.