Robust Optical Edge for a Starshade Petal

The proposed Phase I program will design and develop an optical edge that can be integrated to a petal structure and meet the precision, ground handling, packaging, launch and on-orbit environmental requirements. There will be an emphasis on optimizing the integration of a micro-thin metal alloy to a low CTE composite substrate. The Ph1 program will include prototyping and testing the optical edge architecture. In addition, deployable optical close-outs at the root of the petal will also be designed.

Technology developed during this SBIR program will be directly applied to any NASA telescope program involved with exoplanet discovery and characterization that needs an external occulter, or Starshade. NASA has identified a potential rendezvous mission with WFIRST/AFTA because it is a large astrophysics telescope capable of supporting direct imaging with a starshade.

Technology developed during this Phase I SBIR would apply to any structure requiring a precise edge for light suppressions. More specifically it would apply to precision joining methods between dissimilar materials like thin metals to carbon fiber composites.

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.