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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Innovation in the project includes designing for the smallest viable airplane, using rapid prototyping technologies, using low cost commercial UAS technologies with modification, using low cost testing and development methods, and use of academic partnerships. Key technical challenges include designing an extremely low Reynolds number glider, fitting the required avionics and telemetry equipment in a cube-sat sized airplane, and ensuring all equipment survives the harsh environment of the high altitude testing conditions. This project uses an iterative, build-up approach and reduces the largest technical risk items as it moves towards a high altitude proof of concept demonstrator. One deliverable for this year is to complete a fully integrated environmental chamber test in a flight relevant environment. Following this milestone, the project will proceed with a series of balloon launched altitude tests culminating in a Mars relevant density high altitude aerodynamic characterization flight test.
The goal of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility and characterize the performance of a low Reynolds, high altitude, navigable subsonic glider. There is currently a gap, both on Earth and on Mars, in this regime. Weather balloons are not navigable, ground based vehicles cannot cover as much range or perform direct atmospheric measurements. Satellites perform remote sensing only and have fidelity limitations for the area of interest due to distance.
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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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