Nanocomposite Textiles as Lightweight, Low-Volume Deployable Antenna Systems, Phase I

This Phase I SBIR program will result in the application and characterization of highly conductive, inexpensive, nanostructured textiles and composites for ultra lightweight, low-volume antenna applications. Metal Rubber^TM is a highly successful product for NanoSonic and has tested well for microwave applications; it has now been extended to similar textile based conductive materials. In this effort, these materials would be characterized and assembled into composites. In Phase II and beyond, the materials would be used to construct antennas with applications intended as deployable, conformal antenna systems for NASA platforms. Although this mesh material could be easily incorporated into reflector design, primary emphasis will be on the construction of mesh patch antennas in the L-band. This is convenient for ease of construction but would also serve the NASA by extending the application of larger aperture radar. Additionally, these materials would easily be extended into lower bands for terrestrial and higher bands for spaceborne applications. In order to design the antennas, NanoSonic will work with a major research university that is a world leader in computational electromagnetics. Additionally, NanoSonic will work with a major NASA prime contractor that has direct ties to multiple NASA platforms.

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.