Radiation-Hardened CubeSat Power Management & Distribution (PMAD) for Europa Environment

In Phase 1, Ragnarok will mature the much-needed rad-hard BCDR technology from TRL 3 - 4. Phase 2 of Ragnarok’s efforts will proceed to develop the entire functional prototype radiation-hardened PMAD system including the newly developed BCDR hardware from Phase 1. Phase 2 efforts will conclude with a full Critical Design Review (CDR) and a completed and closed list of HRs and HRMPs. The final prototype design will be targeted towards Europa Environment through a demonstration flight above LEO, if available, after Phase 2.

During this Phase 2, Ragnarok will also produce a prototype of the entire radiation-hardened PMAD system, including the new radiation-hardened BCDR component from Phase 1, and seek a demonstrative flight above LEO if attainable. Thereafter in Phase 3, Ragnarok will offer to (i) partner with a NASA ROSES 2019 proposal in Heliophysics, Planetary Science Data, and/or Lunar Data Analysis, and/or (ii) pursue Space Situational Awareness AFRL missions in GEO, such as ASCENT microsat.

Once qualified to TRL 9 as a rad-hard PMAD with BCDR, Ragnarok will enter the Polar Broadband communications market using a first-to-market advantage. Ragnarok shall have first mover’s advantage pursuing these services. Although the polar broadband market is a fraction of the larger market, this niche is a perfect entry point to fulfill this capacity requiring a low upfront capital investment for in-flight Wi-Fi and Maritime Broadband.

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.

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.