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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
The proposed work implements an enhancement of the INMS to enable high-resolution ion and neutral temperature and drift/wind measurements. This enhanced capability is achieved primarily with a fine angular measurement of the particle velocity distribution function.
This technology development and maturation project extensively leverages design work completed through FY16 IRAD, building on the existing wide-angle mass spectrometer, which has a 360-degree field of view. The enhanced design provides angular resolution of the particle distributions and along-track ion velocity.
The design serves as a foundation for further development, e.g. increased energy and mass resolution and velocity measurements.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.
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