Characterization of Printed Components Under Space Conditions

Characterization of the survival of digitally fabricated (printed) components in space environments is a crucial step towards the ultimate manufacture and application of printed spacecraft. Little data currently exists to fill this void; therefore, this proposed research will help to fulfill NASA's Space Technology Roadmap TA12: Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing by providing the starting database necessary to push the advanced manufacturing process of digital fabrication into usage on NASA missions. The enabling of this novel manufacturing process would in turn give NASA personnel new, groundbreaking tools to accomplish previously infeasible mission and could ultimately lead to on-demand manufacturing in space.

This research will help to fulfill NASA's Space Technology Roadmap TA12: Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing by providing the starting database necessary to push the advanced manufacturing process of digital fabrication into usage on NASA missions. The enabling of this novel manufacturing process would in turn give NASA personnel new, groundbreaking tools to accomplish previously infeasible mission and could ultimately lead to on-demand manufacturing in space.

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.