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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Design, build, and test a textile LLD with extended stroke, capable of accommodating a wide range of MAR weights to tailor the load limiting capability. Create a cost efficient technique for the capability
The use of a textile-based LLD was demonstrated in flight for a mid-air capture of 1100 lbm. This demonstration occurred in 2016. The goal of this technology development was to demonstrate a textile-based LLD for a payload weight of 10,000 lbm, increasing the system capability 10-fold, thereby allowing for mid-air retrieval of very large space-returning hardware.
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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.
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