Highly multiplexed superconducting detectors and readout electronics for balloon-borne and space-based Far-Infrared imaging and polarimetry.

We propose to develop large-format superconducting detector arrays and low power, highly multiplexed readout electronics for the next generation of balloon-borne and space-based sub-millimeter and far-infrared missions. We will demonstrate this technology on the upcoming NASA BLAST-TNG balloon-borne telescope to measure the polarized emission of galactic dust at wavelengths of 250, 350 and 500 microns. Analysis of the data from the BLAST-TNG flight will provide information about the configuration of the galactic magnetic fields over a wide range of spatial scales and help to clarify their role in star formation.

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.