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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
The Ion Control System (ICS) is a high specific impulse (Isp), low-thrust electric propulsion that is suitable for small satellite attitude control, precision orbit control, constellation formation management, and extended low-thrust maneuvers.
The ICS is an Electric Propulsion (EP) micro-propulsion system providing low cost, high performance (ISP and thrust precision), reliability, easy configurability and scalability for SmallSat/CubeSat. Specific benefits include:
• Low exhaust plume contamination risk
• Large input voltage range
• No high-voltage input needed
• Low power consumption
• Secondary payload compatible (inert propellant, no pressure vessels)
• Flexible impulse control
• Scalable
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.