About
Many new micro and nano technology (MNT) concepts are generated by the basic research technology push. Once infused into and implemented by the aerospace industry, they promise to enable exciting applications. However, the cost of acquiring and implementing new technology is prohibitive, and most emerging technology concepts do not survive the mid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system development stage. In order to reap the potential of emerging MNT concepts and increase the number of concepts that reach the system prototype demonstration stage, an industry-wide solution for overcoming the mid-TRL “valley of death” and for smoothly transitioning MNT concepts to aerospace applications becomes essential.
CANEUS International proposes a rapid and cost-effective method of technology transition via the creation of international collaborative sector consortia. These international public/private partnerships between industry, university, and government stakeholders will pool membership’s resources to define and execute high-risk, high-cost projects and initiatives. Sector Consortia will thus constitute smoothly functioning development “pipelines” for emerging technology concepts.
CANEUS currently coordinates Sector Consortia dedicated to Small Satellites, Reliability, Fly-by-Wireless (with Structural Vehicle Health Monitoring), Devices (with Harsh Environment Sensors, Optoelectronics, Environmental Monitoring, and Bio-Astra), and Materials (with Micro-Energetics).
At the CANEUS 2004 Conference, a call for promising MNT concepts resulted in the submission and evaluation of 14 innovative concept topics, five of which evolved into the mature Sector Consortia that exist today. Anyone in the aerospace community is welcome to become involved in the Consortia by contacting CANEUS.