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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
The thermal protection material system (TPS) is the barrier that protects the space vehicle from atmospheric entry heating. Woven TPS is a concept that leverages the mature weaving technology that has evolved from the textile industry to design TPS with tailorable performance by varying a material's composition and properties by the controlled placement of fibers within a woven structure.
NASA aeronautics will continue to be recognized as developing crosscutting, innovative research that will benefit the nation, and UTM is just the latest in a long history of contributions. UTM civilian applications, over time, will likely include agricultural monitoring, weather, rail surveillance, search and rescue, aerial photography, cargo delivery and low altitude radar among other applications. NASA has started the process in this area of re-search, and is stepping up the momentum as a positive response has been received from the community.
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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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