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Completed TRL 4 (started at 1, targeting 4)
The Next Generation Micro-Shutter Array (NGMSA) is a programmable slit mask designed to enable space-based multi-object spectroscopy. It is an evolution of the JWST micro-shutter technology and is transitioning from APRA to SAT program development for TRL maturation to level 5 in support of four science instruments in three Decadal Survey mission concept studies, 1 Explorer mission concept, and a sounding rocket program. The APRA-funded development of the NGMSA focused exclusively on eliminating the magnetic actuation and was successful on 128 x 64 pixel format pilot arrays. However, it utilized the JWST-era MEMS manufacturing process for which our ability to achieve recurrent manufacturability is low. We have severe process yield problems to resolve. We have designed a MEMS architecture change that is simpler to fabricate than the JWST-era process that we are currently struggling with and intended to use for the proposed SAT program. The technical objective of this IRAD project is to prototype this new MEMS architecture in order to achieve recurrent manufacturability. This IRAD work is critical to the success of the subsequent SAT effort to bring large (840 x 420 pixel) format arrays to TRL-5 for five science instrument applications that have baselined it. We believe that our ability to successfully perform the SAT-proposed work will depend critically on prototyping the process change described below on a small 128 x 64 pixel pilot arrays using IRAD resources. This IRAD request is not duplicative of any other proposal. It reflects breakthrough thinking that was not appreciated when the SAT proposal was written.
The NGMSA is an enabling technology for several Decadal Survey missions.
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