Advancement of brazing technology for enhancement of planetary instruments, probes, and sample return missions

Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

Project seeks to advance the state of the art in low-power brazing for in-space joining, validation of braze joints for sealing integrity for particulates and gases, and advance brazing technology for extreme planetary environments.

Benefits

Development of methods for material joining with robotic initiation using low-power and low-mass heat sources.

Development of test methods to validate sealing approaches for sample return.

Test various braze filler and joint designs for compatibility with planetary extreme environments.

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Materials > Materials for Extreme Environments
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

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

Michael J Amato — michael.j.amato@nasa.gov
Terry A Hurford — terry.a.hurford@nasa.gov
Nathan A Smith — nathan.a.smith@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.