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Solar Sail Demonstration (SSD)

Canceled TRL 5 (started at 5, targeting 5)

Description

Demonstrate effective packaging & autonomous deployment of a full-scale, flight-ready Solar Sail assembly in 1-g

Benefits

Mature solar sail technology and demonstrate viability through ground demonstration of flight-ready solar sail. Demonstrate automated deployment of full-scale sail including deployment and exercise of control vanes.

Details

Technology areaPropulsion Systems > Advanced Propulsion > Solar Sails
ProgramTechnology Demonstration Missions (TDM)
Start date2011-10-01
End date2014-12-19

Project contacts

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

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.