CLASS, a Compact Lyman-Alpha Spatial heterodyne Spectrometer (CLASS)

This HTIDES project matures our existing TRL 3 breadboard instrument to TRL 4 where it can be proposed in response to future announcements of flight opportunities. The detection of suprathermal ions near the Sun will be a giant leap in our understanding of the role they play in particle acceleration by CME shocks. The physical basis for SEP storm prediction is based on the existence of precursor suprathermal seed particles in the extended corona (> 1.5 Rs). This project advances the development of a high étendue (E > 1E-04 str cm2), ultra-miniature spectrometer module (155 grams), to understand the creation of solar energetic particles (SEPs) in the solar corona and the physical processes that impact the variability in SEP output by observing the coronal H I Lyman-alpha (Lyα) spectral profile at 1216 à . The proposed technology maturation for the Compact Lyman-alpha Spatial heterodyne Spectrometer (CLASS) is based on an interferometric technology called Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (SHS) that enables CLASS to obtain ultra-high sensitivity data from angularly extended and diffused targets such as the solar corona. The low-mass, compact configuration of CLASS enables sensitive, high-resolution spectroscopy for SmallSat missions. This concept is applicable to more than one mission and is capable of meeting multiple science objectives. CLASS is configurable for a variety of spectral lines with a very narrow bandpass anywhere from the FUV to the visible region, but for the purpose of this project, CLASS is configured to target the H I Lyα line at 1216à . The Compact Lyman-alpha Spatial heterodyne Spectrometer is optimized to measure the spectral profile of the Ly-a line at high spectral resolution (> 0.01à ) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR>10). The measurement approach aims to detect deviations of the line profile wings from its nominal Gaussian profile, as evidence of a suprathermal proton population in the extended solar corona. The science objectives that can be addressed by the development of this measurement capability are: Q.1) Do proton seed particles exist in the inner corona, where CME shocks may form? Q.2) How does the seed particle abundance vary with time? Q.3) How does the presence of seed particles relate to SEP production? Current investigations to study these questions are accomplished by large instruments with considerable demands on spacecraft resources (mass, power, volume). CLASS has a different design that reduces the mass requirements by an order of magnitude while increasing the spectral resolution and sensitivity to address key science objectives in solar physics and space weather research. Small satellites are increasingly playing a larger role in NASA. For this reason, as the reference mission for this project, we envision a CLASS-type instrument to fly on an ESPA-class SmallSat stationed at the L4 Sun-Earth Lagrange point to observe Lyα profiles from the corona off the West limb. The planned mission life is for 2+ years. SmallSats and rideshare opportunities provide the benefits of low cost, low risk; but are challenging because of their requirement for a low payload mass. The novel data returned from a future CLASS mission may result in a revision of our understanding of particle acceleration at the Sun. In addition, the concept is advantageous for implementation as part of a Space Weather warning system for SEP storms. Such a mission is timely and critical as NASA is poised to begin human exploration beyond our protective magnetosphere.

Support NASA's Heliophysics strategic science objectives to understand the Sun and its interactions with Earth and the solar system, including space weather. This will be achieved by developing/demonstrating instrumentation technology necessary to address the following science goals: Explore the physical processes in the space environment from the Sun to the Earth and throughout the solar system; Advance our understanding of the connections that link the Sun, the Earth, planetary space environments, and the outer reaches of our solar system; Develop the knowledge and capability to detect and predict extreme conditions in space to protect life and society and to safeguard human and robotic explorers beyond Earth.

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.

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.