Robust Microfabricated Interconnect Technologies: DC to THz

To meet the needs of future NASA Earth science objectives, significant advancements in the overall level of integration and functional density that is achievable in multi-band microwave radar and radiometer instruments are proposed. The targeted system is the Wideband Instrument for Snow Measurements (WISM), which is a technology development effort to measure Snow Water Equivalent that targets the requirements of the proposed Snow and Cold Land Processes Mission. During Phase I, we developed concepts for enhancing the WISM by incorporating signal multiplexing and active devices in the PolyStrata antenna feed that are not present in the baseline version of the instrument. On the Phase II program, we propose to demonstrate these enhancements to the WISM with deliverable hardware prototypes of such active multi-band feed antennas. Drastic improvements in system noise figure and overall size are made possible by integrating the first stage of LNAs into the PolyStrata feed antenna, eliminating additional cable and diplexer losses that occur in the current modular system.

SnowEx and Snow and Cold Land Processes (SCLP) mission and other active and passive microwave Earth science remote sensing missions.

DoD spaceborne polarimetric radiometer systems for missions similar to that of WindSat. Military multi-band radar applications, for example: guided missile seeker technology, UAV collision avoidance, and operation in degraded visual environments.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.