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Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
Small scale flight testing can be conducted within the scope of ESM in several areas, including low-cost sounding rocket testing and cube-sat based testing.
NASA funded: There is no direct benefit to NASA funded missions, although the carrier spacecraft (TechEdSat) could be used to conduct LEO tests of candidate technologies. NASA unfunded: Develop propellentless deorbit capability which could enable low cost on-demand return of small payloads from ISS or LEO, as well as future "netlander" class missions at Mars or other planetary destinations. OGA: On demand return from LEO has potential application for DoD. Commercial: The Exo-Brake could be an enabling technology for on-demand sample return for the commercial sector, and we will pursue licensing when complete. Nation: The growth of the commercial LEO economy is fundamentally constrained by access; both low cost access to space, and reliable return from space. Exo-Brake directly addresses the latter bottleneck.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.