Design Reference Architecture For Imaging Instruments

This IRAD establishes general instrument Design Reference Architectures (DRAs) that reduce the proposal development time associated with instruments and payloads at Goddard. The instrument development process is enhanced and expedited by re-using the DRAs that are formed and created by generalized architecture features established from existing instruments in various classes, with this IRAD focused on imagers, but also drawn from other classes such as LIDAR's, spectrometers, and magnetometers.

This IRAD extends Goddard's capability in the field of Model Based System Engineering (MBSE), from the exploratory stages where MBSE approaches are being identified, into an implementation stage where tangible uses of MBSE begin to take hold in the GSFC culture, progressing toward a primary goal: Becoming value-added to flight missions, and integrating with the state of the art in the aerospace sector.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.