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Canceled TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Flight test of Inflatable Aeroshell Decelerator technology to increase atmospheric entry down mass capability at higher elevations than currently achievable.
Demonstrate a high energy reentry flight test on a sub-scale Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD). Advance STMD HIAD Gen 2 Technology Readiness Levels for enabling affordable humans to Mars architectures.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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