Thermal Control Nano-Sat

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 EclipseVEDsTM for spacecraft thermal self regulation without the need for human intervention. To achieve this goal, Eclipse employed EclipseVEDTM technology and demonstrated the capacity to have automated control thermal systems capable of in-flight thermal regulation of a cubesat or other small satellite. In Phase II, Eclipse will build a complete multi-panel cubesat and work with NASA to lab test a completely functional prototype and review the capacity to utilize the ECDs concurrently with photovoltaics.

Beyond the use as nanosat systems and the immense market for small space platforms for experiments in the commercial market, the EclipseVEDTM will be sold as an alternative to thermal control louvers prevalent in mid-size to large satellite systems comprising a $15M to $20M market. Typical louver systems add considerable mass to satellites (4kg/m2) in comparison to that associated with an IR ECD (15g/ m2). The use of EclipseVEDTM's to reduce thermal distortion in space-based antenna networks, reflectors, high altitude airships and habitable structures will reach a market estimated at $60M per annum. The EclipseVEDTM will find application in infrared beam steering for space-based communications, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and infrared spatial light modulators for image processing. ECD and Photovoltaic combination can lead to household heating cost reductions.

The electrochromic technology and its control systems suggested in the present proposal possess a wide range of applications relative to the needs of the Agency in satellite, spacecraft and component thermal control, space communications, chemical and biological monitoring of environmental control and life support systems, and in optical processing of information. The EclipseVEDTM developed by Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc. works as a voltage-controlled variable emissivity device to modify the thermal budget of satellites, spacecraft and space-based systems such as antenna networks, inflatable reflectors and habitable structures. The use of the technology with photovoltaics can also lead to longer missions, lower cost and more external area of the nano-sats used for other mission critical purposes.

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.