Heavy-Lift 3rd Gen Mid-Air Retrieval

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

Perform a feasibility study that encompasses: 1) Aero-Mechanical System Study for Heavy-Lift MAR, 2) Reference Mission CONOPS Study, 3) Optimal Guidance & Navigation Systems Study

Benefits

Retrieve discarded parts from launch systems (e.g. 1st and 2nd stages, payload fairiings) retrieve capsules in mid-air.

Details

Program	Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF)
Lead organization	Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA
Start date	2015-10-01
End date	2016-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

John W Kelly — john.w.kelly@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.