Development of a Neutral Wind and Temperature Instrument with Mass Spectrometry

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

Development of wind and temperature measurement achieved with a fine angular measurement of the particle velocity distribution function. This work utilizes prototype custom electronics to drive the next generation micro-shutter array (NGMSA) that will be used in conjunction with a slit aperture to determine the angle of incoming neutral particles.

Benefits

The success of this technology would provide the first in situ neutral wind measurement since the Dynamics Explorer missions over 30 years ago.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Field and Particle Detectors
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2017-10-01
End date	2018-09-01

Project contacts

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

Michael A Johnson — michael.a.johnson@nasa.gov
Nikolaos Paschalidis — nikolaos.paschalidis@nasa.gov
Sarah L Boyle — sarah.l.boyle@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.