Projects

Focus Areas Projects / Programs Description Status Outcome
Small Satellites CSSP A low-cost, internationally shared space based data collection and distribution backbone
  • Phase 1: End-User Needs assessment completed
  • Phase 2: Concept of Operation in progress
  • Phase 3: Implementation plan to be developed
Shared Small Satellites CSSP for Collective Security, Safety, and Prosperity
Standards Develop standards to define micro, nano and pico satellite platforms and the data interface for global interoperability
  • Phase 1: standard platform specifications and first version completed
  • Phase 2:standard platform for pico-satellites in progress
  • Phase 3: Launch, spacecraft and ground systems architectures standard
. A platform for developing satellite subsystems standards to ensure interoperability among international partners.
. Small satellites that are cheaper to develop with a shortened development time to launch.
Launch Portal Web-based one stop shop for launch opportunities for small satellites
  • Phase 1: Prototype demo completed
  • Phase 2: Populatingb the database
  • Phase 3: Official launch
  • Regular update
Provide secondary satellite developers with a current list of candidate launches detailing carrier type, carrying capacity, and key contact information
Export Control Establishing a clear process for intellectual property rights and a streamlined process for members to resolve export control issues
  • Phase 1: ITAR Handbook completed
  • Phase 2: Global TAA in progress
  • Phase 3: Guideline for intellectual property
Guidelines dealing with export control restricted technologies of interest, and how smaller companies can address intellectual property concerns while engaging with larger firms or government agencies.
Fly-by-Wireless Wi-Testbed Testbeds to evaluate protocols for critical communications with airborne applications
  • Phase 1: Concept of operation completed
  • Phase 2: Creation of project team completed
  • Phase 3: Funding proposals to project team members in progress
  • Phase 4: Project implementation
Implement a wireless testbed to evaluate the most appropriate protocol for critical communications with airborne applications; ID key performance nodes, and Resistance to EMI/EMP/HIRF.
Wi-Engine Replace the wiring harness and sensors currently used for engine monitoring with a wireless system that reduces the wire, wire connectors, wire holds, weight, component volume, system cost and maintenance cost.
  • Phase 1: Concept of operation and Creation of project team in progress
  • Phase 2: Funding proposals in progress
  • Phase 3: Teaming agreement
  • Phase 4: Project implementation
Implementation of a Wireless Sensor System for Engine Monitoring
Wi-SHM In-situ SHM of thick laminate composite structures
  • Phase 1: The Wi-SENSE project team lead by NASA LaRC to formulate the concept of operation
  • Phase 2: Funding proposals in progress
  • Phase 3: Teaming agreement
  • Phase 4: Project implementation
Structural health monitoring of the main fuselage and/or the main structure
Wi-Sense Address the need for passive wireless thermal, acceleration, and acoustic emission sensors for structural health monitoring. This includes the distribution of sensor networks and the necessity for large quantities of sensors for testing and monitoring large structures
  • Phase 1: The Wi-SENSE project team lead by NASA LaRC to formulate the concept of operation
  • Phase 2: Funding proposals in progress
  • Phase 3: Teaming agreement
  • Phase 4: Project implementation
Simplification of the testing process, enhanced accuracy of test results, and reduced test time for larger surface areas
Materials Thermal protection and radiation shielding systems Development of nano-composite materials for thermal protection and radiation shielding systems.
  • Phase 1: Project concept paper completed
  • Phase 2: Approach for the development, proposed implementation plan, metrics for evaluating progress, proposed teaming arrangement options and identification of potential governmental, industrial and institutional sources of funding, in progress
  • Phase 3: project launch
Composite materials to provide significant enhancement in the thermal conductivity, directional anisotropy, radiation/absorption, and structural reinforcement capabilities. Major reductions in the overall system mass with the use of nanostructured thermal protection / radiation shielding materials.
Multi-functional composite materials with MNT embedded sensors Development of multifunctional composite materials with MNT embedded sensors which can deliver previously unavailable capabilities for structural health or failure monitoring.
  • Phase 1: Project concept paper revision in progress
  • Phase 2: Plan for Fabrication, characterization and prototype design for such multi-functional composites
  • Phase 3: Funding, implementation
. Create multi-functional, “smart” materials by embedding a variety of MNT-based sensors and actuators within these composites . multi-functional composites, which can deliver previously unavailable capabilities for structural health or failure monitoring
Composite materials for load-bearing structural applications  
  • Phase 1: The concept of operation study completed
  • Phase 2: Prototype Identification, team members and funding proposal
  • Phase 3: Prototype development implementation
A prototype using Polymer Clay Nano-composites (PCN’s) for structural applications in Aerospace and other industries
Micro-Energetics Seek useful energetic material forms on length scales of one NM to one MM Development of MNT-based micro generation and micro propulsion solutions
  • Phase 1: Technical and programmatic background necessary to evaluate the current status in terms of technological maturity, key technology developers, potential funders, and aerospace end-applications, market potential and the challenges involved in progress
  • Phase 2: Team members and funding proposal in progress
  • Phase 3: Implementation plan
Foster the development of green end-user integratable energetic materials. Motivate synthesis, assembly, and understanding of energetic materials in small dimensions, Promote the development of methodologies leading to safe processing, storage, and handling of micro-energetic
Devices Harsh Environment Sensors Development of MNT based sensors developed from SiC and other robust materials (diamond, DLC, IIINitrides, III-V, SOI) for aerospace applications
  • Phase 1: Two studies based on SiC and SoI concepts completed
  • Phase 2: Team members and funding proposal
  • Phase 3: Implementation plan
MNT based sensors for harsh environments essentially characterized by extremes in mechanical, thermal and chemical stress
Optoelectronics Development of optoelectronic devices based on semiconducting nanostructures and nano-materials
  • Phase 1: Three different Concepts feasibility investigations completed
  • Phase 2: Project Implementation plan to be developed
. Nano-optoelectronic devices for communication, computing and sensing in aerospace systems. . Ultra-compact and power-efficient optoelectronic devices such as detectors and lasers. . Ultimately replace traditional, gas or solid-state detectors and lasers.
Bio-medical TBD TBD TBD
Nano-sensors Potential nano-sensors and device concepts for aerospace applications
  • Phase 1: Concept paper completed
  • Phase 2: Team members and funding proposal
  • Phase 3: Implementation plan
. Nanotube and nanowire based chemical/bio sensors . Nano electromechanical transducers for physical property measurements . Nanostructured filtration and separation devices and materials
Reliability Testing Standards and certification Development of reliability testing standards for micro-sensors, micro-actuators and micro-switches.
  • Phase 1: Concept paper completed
  • Phase 2: Team members and funding proposal
  • Phase 3: Implementation plan
Generic and specific data on the reliability of MNT-based systems using physics of failure approach
Radiation Development of radiation testing of MNT devices and materials, including sensing elements and microelectronic circuits.
  • Phase 1: Concept paper completed
  • Phase 2: Team members and funding proposal
  • Phase 3: Implementation plan
Findings from the charged particle environment in space and the physics of radiation effects on MEMS devices and materials, which include: total Ionizing Dose (TID), Single Event Effects (SEE) and displacement damage
Database and Technology Portal Identify existing (and various) networks, labs, university dealing with MEMS reliability, their competences and knowledge and create a matrix of gaps identified towards the demonstration of the capability of MNT to fly (in terms of reliability)
  • Phase 1: Strategic plan completed
  • Phase 2: Roadmap for implementation in progress
  • Phase 3: Database implementation
A database of MNT users and developers