← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Affordable Integrated GPS-Actuator GN&C System for Small Launch Vehicles
Completed
TRL 7 (started at 5, targeting 7)
Description
A small launcher GNC system which maintains GPS fix while rotating, improves drift performance for COTS-based inertial sensors and provides efficient use of actuation system propellant. Provided in a package with components and systems already under development and proven in the space environment. Phase I will result in a flight test ready system
Benefits
NASA has a growing interest and need for dedicated small launch vehicles for a variety of small satellite missions. Kennedy Space Center is placing online a dedicated small launch vehicle pad, Pad 39C. MAS as well as other users plan to use this for launching both suborbital and orbital small launch vehicles.
The technology developed under this project will assist these efforts to provide a flight ready small launcher GNC system. This can also provide applications for additional military related projects such as the recently completed MDA project described elsewhere in this document.
Details
| Technology area | Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Network-Provided Position, Navigation, and Timing > Revolutionary PNT Technologies |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Micro Aerospace Solutions, Inc., Melbourne, FL |
| Start date | 2017-06-09 |
| End date | 2017-12-08 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — 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.