Non-Pyrotechnic Latch and Release System for Aerospace and Other Applications, Phase I

American Remote Vision Company (ARVC) will research and develop a novel new type of non-pyrotechnic latch and release system for use in servicing umbilical applications (as well as an enormous range of other aerospace and commercial applications). This device (whose starting point is the ancient "chinese fingercuff") will be a robust, reliable, reusable latch; scalable over many orders of magnitude in size and load; capable of gripping or releasing in milliseconds; and useful in lunar regolith environment. The concept has already been proved at the 1,000 pound level. We will develop the theory of operation in grab, hold, and release modes (and maybe failure modes). We will build prototypes and test them to verify the math models.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.