← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 5)
There is a need to precisely position detectors to enable Precision Formation Flying (PFF) of multiple spacecraft for the Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSM). The same device is also required for upcoming coronograph missions to actively control the occulter location to precisely image solar ejections and corona phenomena. The intent of the IRAD is to develop an efficient 2-axis precision positioning mechanism with the accuracy, speed, and range of motion to satisfy multiple upcoming mission needs and advance that design TRL using spare sensors from another project and procuring commercial-grade actuators to build and functionally test an engineering unit. Environmental testing will be done as funding allows.
The objective of this IRAD is to develop a flexible in-house design of a 2-axis positioning system and do performance testing and some temperature testing in order to take that design to TRL-4, almost TRL-5. There are a variety of GSFC proposals that need this type of mechanism including a detector positioning system for the Precision Formation Flying (PFF) capability of multiple spacecraft for the Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSM) and upcoming coronograph missions that need to actively control an occulter at the end of a long boom. Upon successful completion, a relatively small amount of additional funding would allow the environmental qualification testing needed to satisfy TRL-6 requirements.
Having a proven, qualified design for multiple applications will allow scientists to offer low-risk proposals using high-TRL components.
An effiicient, precision 2-axis positioner could be used in many applications and markets such as jitter-control in science instruments or surveillance systems.
An effiicient, precision 2-axis positioner could be used in various DOD applications such as jitter-control in imaging or surveillance systems.
The prototype 2-axis positioner will be integrated into a multi-technology Distributed Spacecraft Mission demonstration testbed at GSFC to improve the capability to precisely maintain alignment between 2 independent spacecraft over 100's of meters separation and maintain micron-level alignment on the science detector.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.