Facility for Microgravity Research and Submicroradian Stabilization using sRLV Testing

Completed TRL 9 (started at 6, targeting 9)

Description

The Vibration Isolation Platform (VIP) from Controlled Dynamics Inc. (CDI) provides a sustained microgravity environment to research payloads flying on orbital and suborbital vehicles. The VIP is a payload mounting interface which includes active stabilization and 6-DOF non-contact isolation. During launch, re-entry, and landing, the research payload is mechanically secured to the vehicle. During parabolic coast or in orbit, the research payload is automatically released on a 6-DOF free-floating platform. The payload is caged to follow the low-frequency inertial motion of the host vehicle, but otherwise left undisturbed to float freely in the sway space of the VIP. A “μg OK” discrete signal is provided to the payload when the acceleration environment is acceptable for conducting microgravity research.

Following initial development of the VIP, Controlled Dynamics proposed the same technology for use as a stabilization platform for optical communications. This resulted in follow on SBIR awards (SBIR Phase I (2013), SBIR Phase II (2014)), and subsequent infusion of the technology into the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) demonstration on the Psyche mission.

Benefits

This vibration isolation technology is applicable to a wide spectrum of space vehicles and can provide quiescent environments for research payloads that will benefit the commercial space industry and future NASA missions.

Details

Technology area	Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Revolutionary Communications Technologies > Hybrid Radio and Optical Technologies
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Controlled Dynamics Inc., Huntington Beach, CA
Start date	2016-11-01
End date	2019-10-31

Project contacts

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

Scott Green
David J Schenck
Leora Peltz
Robert V Frampton

How to get involved

This is a mature technology (TRL 9) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.