Mars Technology Demonstration Support

Many U.S. Mars landers have used propulsion for subsonic deceleration as the surface is approached. Prior to this effort, no supersonic retro propulsion data existed utilizing actual propulsion hardware. This project is capitalizing on a unique partnership to improve knowledge of the use of supersonic retro propulsion.

NASA Funded: No currently funded NASA missions are utilizing SuperSonic propulsive deceleration technologies derived from PDT investments. Potential NASA Mars Human precursor missions in the mid-2020 timeframe, or commercial application of these technologies in the next decade, represent the earlist potential infusion opportunities. NASA Unfunded: Future high mass robotic and human missions at or above ~3mt will require this technology. Propulsive-based SuperSonic deceleration capabilities are the only known technology that can close this gap. OGA: No applications have been identified for utilization by OGAs. Commercial: Advancement of SRP for terrestrial launch veh. return and reusability would be of benefit to the comml ind. Specific opps. May include Blue Origins, and Space x. Nation: The application of these technologies would advance NASA's ability to land humans on the surface of Mars in the 2030's.

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.