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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Our objective is to develop deployable receiver telescope technology for space-borne lidar measurements. The innovative aspects are the use of novel, optical-quality, membrane materials along with free-form optics to correct for optical aberrations and achieve lidar-quality performance.
A fundamental limitation in the trend toward smaller satellites is the volume available for optical apertures. We will examine deployable telescope technologies that can launch in a tight package and then expand after orbital insertion to overcome this challenge targeting space-based LIDAR instruments.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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