Award Data

Higher efficiency solar cells are needed to reduce mass, volume, and cost of DoD space missions. However, to achieve higher efficiency and radiation hardness of the best to date multi-junction photovoltaic (MJ PV) devices, several challenges must be addressed. This project aims to develop: 1) Quantum Well (QW)-based multi-junction cell technology that exhibits enhanced efficiency, and 2) Radiation ...

The results of the Phase I effort has identified the feasibility of real-time hardbody thermal solver algorithms on high performance hardware for use by MDA applications and real-time hardware-in-the-loop environments. Phase II development of the thermal solver will be expanded to include complex targets by expanding upon the techniques prototyped in Phase I. A new inline Parallel Euler Solver w ...

The MDA is developing the Precision Tracking Space System and other satellite based systems that could benefit from ongoing developments in advanced materials for lithium ion batteries. Unfortunately, the applications driving much of that battery research have less abusive operational cycles than the frequent cycling, and sporadic pulse loads to deep discharge, of MDA satellite applications. Phy ...

The goal of this STTR project is to develop an engineered growth substrate technology that will enable low defect MCT growth on silicon that is comparable in defect density to MCT grown on lattice matched CZT substrates. The layer transfer process elements demonstrated in Phase I will be further optimized to produce low defect density MCT on silicon substrates in Phase II. SRICO will achieve this ...

Radiance Technologies proposes to perform advanced development, fabrication and demonstration an innovative low-profile, multi-layered anti-tamper (AT) volume protection"detect and react"sensor suite prototype that meets MDA requirements for portability and reusability. It utilizes radiation and vibration sensors to detect radiological and vibrational reverse engineering attacks, combined with tw ...

The MDA Director issued a directive necessitating the protection of Critical Program Information (CPI) from unintentional transfer and the policy for the implementation of anti-tamper (AT) technology on MDA acquisition and associated technology programs. AT technology consists of engineering activities that prevent and/or delay exploitation of critical technologies in U.S. weapons systems. The pur ...

Rhenium is the current material of choice for Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS) components of due to its erosion resistance, high-temperature strength and compatibility with propellant products. However, disadvantages of Re include high cost and high density. Alternatives to Re such as composites, refractory metal alloys, and monolithic ceramics have been proposed, but all possess strengt ...

Advanced Optical Systems, Inc (AOS) is developing technology for significant optical manufacturing advancement (SOMA). As part of this overarching design concept, AOS will design and manufacture opto-mechanical equipment, electronic interfaces, and data collection and processing systems to complete an infrared focal plane array test bed.

During hypersonic reentry, the flow around reentry vehicles is ionized resulting in electro-optical and infrared emissions, detectable radar cross-sections, and attenuation of signals transmitted through the plasma. Modeling these flows requires both expertise and substantial user time. The Phase II program will address these issues by developing the Reentry Vehicle and Wake Analysis Tool that wil ...

We will apply the test methods that we have developed to assess the performance of Ballistic Missile Defense interceptors in the presence of natural and man-made radiation environments. At the conclusion of Phase II, MDA will have a demonstrated hardware-in-the-loop capability to test the kill vehicle electro-optical sensor, signal/data processors, and flight software. This facility will support ...