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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Missions to date have orbited and roved, but sub-planetary worlds elude exploration. This investigation proposes to develop technology for venturing underground and conceiving mission architectures for robotic expeditions that explore skylights, lava tubes and caves. The investigation will identify effective designs for mobile robot architecture to explore sub-planetary features. By creating and implementing robotic technology to explore skylights, lava tubes, caves and canyons, this investigation will pioneer sub-planetary exploration.
This investigation proposes to develop technology for venturing underground and conceiving mission architectures for robotic expeditions that explore skylights, lava tubes and caves. The investigation will identify effective designs for mobile robot architecture to explore sub-planetary features. By creating and implementing robotic technology to explore skylights, lava tubes, caves and canyons, this investigation will pioneer sub-planetary exploration.
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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.
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