Award Data

In the Phase I effort, Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC (GTL) verified the feasibility of generating power from space particle radiation. This effort successfully demonstrated electrical power production from a particle radiation source using an initial proof-of-concept device. The effort also identified a second approach that has the potential for even better power generation and offers enhanced ...

In an effort to development more robust optical system coatings DTRA, in collaboration with Sandia National Labs, is working to characterize the degradation of optical materials for space systems when exposed to high intensely EUV/ cold x-rays. The experiments utilizes the Double Eagle z-pinch facility which generates high current, high voltage arc pinch plasma to produce an intense EUV and cold x ...

In a previous effort, GTL successfully demonstrated that the BHL cryotank technology provides a 75% mass reduction compared to the state of the art cryotanks. This capability would double the payload a liquid propellant launch vehicle just from the mass...

The Constructable Platform effort will define a modular, reconfigurable, and expandable architecture for a platform in GEO to provide persistent support infrastructure for multiple, diverse payloads. The platform’s reusability will enable the infrastru...

Exploitation of new chip-scale optical frequency comb sources demands improvements in MWIR/LWIR detector performance, including: High speed (5 GHz); high sensitivity (NEP < 1pW/Hz1/2); broad spectral response (Octave); and thermo-electric cooler (TEC) operating temperature. No existing detector meets these demanding performance parameters. Phase I successfully designed and demonstrated an octave s ...

Traditional weapon systems often fail to meet the requirements of close combat typical of the previously discussed engagement, where insurgents often blend in or store weapon amongst friendly or non-combatant forces, to shield them from precision strike munitions of a technologically superior force. This type of warfare has led to an increased focus on the use of less-lethal weapons, to reduce let ...

The purpose of this effort is to develop an instrument to accurately calibrate (1% k=2) the lunar spectral reflectance (350 to 2,300 nm) at relatively low expense from a small satellite. Assuming the TSIS missions are successful and the solar irradiance is known, the lunar spectral reflectance can be used to provide known lunar irradiance, thereby providing a stable exo-atmospheric calibration sou ...

We propose to develop a system that will aid in the unique identification, accurate tracking, and state of health monitoring of satellites and other space objects. This system will consist of an Enhanced Low-Power Transponder (ELT) - a self-contained sm...

Glacigen Materials proposes a novel technique for producing large-area sheets of functionally graded materials (FGM), which yield robust ceramic-metal interfaces capable of withstanding harsh environments that include high temperatures. Propulsion systems offer some of the harshest possible design conditions from a materials perspective and the demands placed on engineering materials will become m ...

NASA has long used liquid hydrogen as a fuel and plans to continue using it in association with their advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology. Hydrogen fire detection is critical for rocket propulsion safety and maintenance. A significant fire at a rocket test or launch facility could be catastrophic to infrastructure or even worse, to human life. Detection monitoring is problematic as hydr ...