Award Data

We propose to develop a prototype of a novel spintronic spectrum analyzer using an array of nano-scale magnetic spin-torque detectors. The operation of the proposed spectrum analyzer is based on the recently discovered effects of spin-transfer torque and spin-diode effects in nano-scale magnetic multilayered elements, the fabrication of which became possible due to the recent advances in nano-fabr ...

Triton Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a method for efficiently running federated simulations of atmospheric and orbital rocket flight. Tritons proposed method will be able to get information between time steps without the need for interpolation and will significantly reduce the computational time needed to run Federated simulations.Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9522 (23 Feb 18)

To meet the demands of the MDA16-T005 STTR solicitation, the MaXentric/UTK team proposes the MaXPMFT, which exploits a wideband software defined radio architecture to create a transmitter with programmable output frequency. The flexible system will provide the ideal solution for current and future missile flight test telemetry needs through its compatibility with nearly all missile platforms and s ...

Leveraging their prior experience working with automated fiber placement (AFP) of thin-ply composite materials, NextGen Materials & Processing LLC and the University of Massachusetts Lowell will utilize a Design of Experiments approach, combined with analytical modeling, to identify the critical material, slitting, spooling, and AFP parameters that influence the repeatable, high quality laydown of ...

In this STTR Phase I program, Structured Materials Industries, Inc. (SMI) and Arizona State University (ASU) will develop a SiGeSn based light emitter device technology on Si, which will be a key ingredient for Si-based integrated photonics applications, such as in lab-on-a-chip integrated chemical and biological spectrometers for landers, astronaut health monitoring, front-end and back-end for re ...

Sustainable Bioproducts (SB) proposes to develop an encapsulated biofilm-biomat reactor that will efficiently convert mission relevant feedstocks to usable products under zero gravity conditions. The bioreactor will be based on SB’s proprietary fermentation platform for converting a wide variety of waste streams into a multitude of usable products. SB’s bioreactor platform is simple, does not ...

All rocket missions benefit from having lower structural mass and higher specific impulse, both of which contribute to larger payload fractions and therefore lower mission cost. High temperature materials such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are an avenue to lower engine mass because of the low density and high specific strength of the material. They also have a high maximum temperature and so ...

This proposal focuses on the superconducting coils subsystem, a critical subsystem for the PFRC reactor and Direct Fusion Drive and other fusion and electric propulsion technologies. Our strategy for PFRC has evolved since our Phase I proposal, and we now propose a hybrid magnet approach: a combination of so-called “dry” conduction-cooled low-temperature (LTS) superconductor magnets and high-t ...

DISCUS is a generic Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system for swarms of SmallSats. It integrates communications and relative localization with innovative Density Control Algorithms (DCA) enabling robust operation in a variety of uncertain environments. As such, it presents a key enabling technology for future Deep Space missions including space apertures at Lagrangian points, and orbiting ...

A key goal of the current NASA ARMD Strategic Plan is to achieve Low Carbon Emissions through use of alternative propulsion systems such as electric/hybrid propulsion. In this regard, NASA’s STTR solicitation seeks innovative approaches in designing and analyzing Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) aircraft to support ARMD’s Strategic Thrust #3 (Ultra-Efficient Commercial Vehicles) and #4 ( ...