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Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 4)
The Maraia capsule suborbital test was to investigate and inform the design of the Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) subsystems for a small earth return capsule. Such a capsule design could allow for the on-demand return of small samples from the ISS and, by acting as an earth atmospheric entry test-bed, provide for the advancement of other exploration related EDL technologies.
The flight demonstration of this technology was used to help advance the understanding of the high-speed performance and active control of a candidate small atmospheric entry capsule that may one day return scientific samples from the International Space Station or demonstrate Entry technologies later used at Mars.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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