Spin Deployed Electrostatic Sail Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) Testbed

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

Validate boom deployment using subscale elements on the MSFC Flat Floor.

Benefits

Validation of E-Sail tether deployment is required to raise the maturity of the technology.

Details

Technology area	Thermal Management Systems > Thermal Control Components and Systems > Measurement and Control
Program	Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date	2018-10-01
End date	2019-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Thomas C Bryan — tom.bryan@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.