Thermal Control Nano-Sat, Phase I

Based on successful space testing onboard the Midstar1 satellite, Eclipse Electrochromics have been identified by a number of organizations as well as NASA as a high interest technology. For nanosats, the critical design challenge is achieving autonomous control of the EclipseVEDs^TM for spacecraft thermal self regulation without the need for human intervention. To achieve this goal, Eclipse proposes in Phase I to employ EclipseVED^TM technology and demonstrate automated control systems capable of in-flight thermal regulation of a cubesat or other small satellite. Phase I will include the construction of a single small satellite panel for in-house testing and principally work on the hardware and software required for autonomous regulation. In Phase II, Eclipse will build a complete multi-panel cubesat and work with Marshall Space Center to lab test a completely functional prototype.

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.