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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
A Design Study will be performed to assess the various design options, technical risks and cost effectiveness of this shelter concept. Also, detailed cost estimates will be developed for a subscale test article to demonstrate an ice dome/vault deployment. The study would produce an Ice Dome design concept and an Ice Dome Concept of Operations. The study would identify the primary technical risks, identify technology readiness and identify the external skillsets needed to build a subscale demonstrator for deployment studies. This study would also provide estimated cost and schedule as well as projected technical resources such as the size and mass of the inflatable structure that would be delivered to Mars.
This is help enable long duration human exploration.
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.
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