Precision Hinge Actuator for Advanced Telescope Systems, Phase I

CTD proposes to investigate the deployment repeatability and microdynamic stability of a hinge and demonstration this repeatability in a deployable mirror test article, which incorporates the proposed precision self-locking hinge actuator. If successful, the proposed device will be substantially lighter, simpler, more robust, and more easily controlled than other state-of-the-art actuators for deployment of optical systems. More importantly, the proposed device has the potential of dramatically reducing or eliminating post-deployed microdynamic response, by eliminating mechanical latches. During Phase I, CTD and the University of Colorado (CU) will demonstrate the feasibility of the high-precision, self-locking, linear actuator through testing of a prototype actuator on an existing deployable optics testbed structure at CU. In Phase II, CTD and its partners will develop and test a self-locking linear actuator for application to a flight program of interest to NASA (e.g., Single Aperture Far-IR (SAFIR) telescope).

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.