Towed Glider Air Launch System (TGALS)

Investigating an alternative approach to direct-carry air-launch . . . utilizing a one-third scale, twin fuselage glider to demonstrate proof-of-concept performance and operation. Seeking to show that a towed launch platform can carry a launch vehicle of 1 to 2 times its own weight, whereas the current state-of-the-art for direct-carry is roughly 0.7.

NASA funded: The Towed Glider Air-Launch System technology can increase the efficiency, in both time and cost, of small satellite launch and can provide a heavy lift capability for atmospheric flight test. OGA: The Towed Glider Air-Launch System technology can, through commercial launch provider adoption, provide an affordable means of launch for government agencies, particularly the DoD. Commercial: The Towed Glider Air-Launch System technology provides an affordable approach to launch and, if proved feasible, may be adopted by commercial launch providers.

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.