[ { "fo_project_id": 91391, "fo_project_title": "Facility for Microgravity Research and Submicroradian Stabilization using sRLV Testing", "company": "Controlled Dynamics Inc.", "fo_period": "2016\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 9 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "CDI vibration isolation struts on DSOC transceiver, Psyche spacecraft \u2014 MISSION COMPLETED Sep 2 2025 after 65 passes, 13.6 Tb, 307M-mile distance record (Dec 2024). 10\u00d7 better than RF.", "mission": "Psyche / Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)", "launch_year": 2023, "evidence": "TechPort description text; JPL Sep 2025 completion report; NASA Dec 2024 distance record announcement", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_commercial", "description": "Navy / Air Force / MDA high-energy laser stabilization SBIRs", "dollar_amount_usd": 3940000, "evidence": "USASpending award records", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 5450000, "kb_page": "organizations/controlled-dynamics.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 32, "notes": "Session 32 update: DSOC completed Sep 2025. 65 link passes, 13.6 Tb total, 307M-mile record. No new CDI contracts since 2023 Phase I." }, { "fo_project_id": 91394, "fo_project_title": "Printing the Space Future Testing", "company": "Made in Space, Inc. (acquired by Redwire 2020)", "fo_period": "2011\u20132018", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 9 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "ISS Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) deployed 2016, still operating", "mission": "ISS AMF (commercial facility)", "launch_year": 2016, "evidence": "TechPort description text; ISS experiment page", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Made in Space acquired by Redwire Space (NYSE: RDW), June 2020", "acquirer": "Redwire Space", "year": 2020, "amount_disclosed": false, "evidence": "Redwire press release; TechCrunch", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "25+ NASA and DoD contracts post-FO for manufacturing, crystal growth, VULCAN metal printing", "dollar_amount_usd": 10100000, "evidence": "USASpending page 1 of 2+ pages", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 10100000, "kb_page": "organizations/made-in-space.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05" }, { "fo_project_id": 106680, "fo_project_title": "Glass Alloy Manufacturing Machine - Acoustic Levitation Furnace (GAMMA-ALF)", "company": "Made in Space, Inc. (acquired by Redwire 2020)", "fo_period": "2020\u20132022", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "dead_end", "notes": "GAMMA-ALF did not progress to ISS deployment. Redwire's glass manufacturing focus is ZBLAN (different technology). PI Alicia Carey left for Johns Hopkins APL. Post-SPAC portfolio rationalization ended experimental approaches.", "kb_page": "dead_ends/gamma-alf-glass-fiber.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05" }, { "fo_project_id": 12180, "fo_project_title": "Validation of a Fine Water Mist Fire Extinguisher", "company": "ADA Technologies, Inc.", "fo_period": "2011\u20132014", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "nasa_spinoff", "description": "Referenced in NASA Spinoff 2020 (Zero-Leak Valve product; may be related technology)", "evidence": "TechPort library item link to spinoff.nasa.gov", "confidence": "suggestive" }, { "type": "dod_commercial", "description": "Large DoD battery/thermal portfolio (parallel business, not causally linked to FO)", "dollar_amount_usd": 30000000, "evidence": "USASpending page 1", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/ada-technologies.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "FO contribution hard to isolate; ADA has large pre-existing DoD portfolio" }, { "fo_project_id": 94146, "fo_project_title": "Dragon V2 Propellant Management Device (PMD) Microgravity Testing", "company": "Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)", "fo_period": "2014\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "Dragon V2 \u2192 Crew Dragon; 12+ crewed ISS missions as of 2026", "evidence": "Public record", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "FO contribution is one subsystem (PMD) in a very large program; attribution is narrow" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/spacex-dragon-v2-pmd.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05" }, { "fo_project_id": 94197, "fo_project_title": "Micro-Avionics Multi-Purpose Platform (MicroAMPP)", "company": "Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems Inc. (\u2192 Terran Orbital \u2192 Lockheed Martin)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 9 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "technology_absorption", "description": "MicroAMPP lessons incorporated into Tyvak Trestles CubeSat bus product line", "evidence": "NASA article 'NASA Helps Develop CubeSat Infrastructure for All to Use'", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Tyvak \u2192 Terran Orbital \u2192 acquired by Lockheed Martin, October 30, 2024", "acquirer": "Lockheed Martin", "year": 2024, "amount_disclosed": false, "evidence": "Lockheed Martin press release; SpaceNews", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "PTD ($21.48M), Edison SmallSat ($15.83M), DoD smallsat contracts, many SBIRs", "dollar_amount_usd": 48700000, "evidence": "USASpending page 1", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 48700000, "kb_page": "organizations/tyvak-terran-orbital.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "Two parallel FO projects (94197, 106591) for same technology; both reached TRL9" }, { "fo_project_id": 106591, "fo_project_title": "Micro-Avionics Multi-Purpose Platform", "company": "Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems Inc. (\u2192 Terran Orbital \u2192 Lockheed Martin)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 9 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Parallel FO project to 94197; same technology, different PI. See organizations/tyvak-terran-orbital.md", "kb_page": "organizations/tyvak-terran-orbital.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05" }, { "fo_project_id": 91700, "fo_project_title": "Iodine Radio Frequency (RF) Ion Thruster Development Testing", "company": "Busek Co., Inc.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 3 }, "fo_status": "CANCELED", "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "BIT-3: world's first iodine gridded ion thruster; commercial CubeSat propulsion product", "evidence": "Busek website; academic papers; multiple news sources", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "mission_flight", "description": "BIT-3 flew on Lunar IceCube (Morehead State) and LunaH-Map (ASU) on SLS Artemis-1, November 16, 2022", "mission": "SLS Artemis-1 rideshares", "launch_year": 2022, "evidence": "Wikipedia; multiple news sources; NASA", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "60M+ cross-agency contracts: AF Hall thrusters, electrospray, iodine propulsion; NASA BET-MAX, Lunar IceCube development", "dollar_amount_usd": 65000000, "evidence": "USASpending pages 1+ of both NASA and DoD", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Busek had extensive parallel funding; FO cancellation was non-causal to commercial success" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 65000000, "kb_page": "organizations/busek-company.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "Canceled FO project \u2192 commercial product and space flight. Key example: cancellation \u2260 failure. PI Michael Tsay continued BIT-3 development." }, { "fo_project_id": 94198, "fo_project_title": "Development and Flight-Testing of a High-Performance Electric-Pump Fed Launch Vehicle", "company": "Ventions LLC (\u2192 Astra Space Inc.)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_launch_vehicle", "description": "Astra Space (formerly Ventions) developed Rocket 3 using electric pump-fed propulsion from FO work", "evidence": "Wikipedia; multiple news sources", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "orbital_launch", "description": "First test launch July 2018 (Kodiak, AK); successful orbital delivery ELaNa 41 (February 10, 2022)", "evidence": "NASA blog post; news sources", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/ventions-astra-space.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "Ventions LLC = Astra Space predecessor. FO directly funded the launch vehicle flight test that led to orbit. Adam London is continuity PI." }, { "fo_project_id": 71984, "fo_project_title": "Zero Gravity Mass Measurement Device (ZGMMD) Parabolic Flight Test", "company": "Sierra Nevada Corporation (ORBITEC division)", "fo_period": "2016\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 9 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_candidate", "description": "ZGMMD reached TRL9 and was developed for ISS glovebox use; on-orbit deployment unconfirmed", "mission": "ISS (candidate)", "evidence": "TechPort ISS Transition Report link; NASA contracts; contract text explicitly targets ISS MSG", "confidence": "speculative" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 2090000, "kb_page": "organizations/sierra-nevada-zgmmd.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "TRL9 achieved in parabolic tests. ISS deployment unconfirmed. SNC \u2192 Sierra Space spinoff 2021." }, { "fo_project_id": 91338, "fo_project_title": "Demonstration of One-Fault Tolerant Precision Navigation for Autolanding Airless Bodies: Flight Two", "company": "Astrobotic Technology, Inc.", "fo_period": "2015\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 5 }, "fo_status": "CANCELED", "downstream": [ { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "CLPS Peregrine Mission 1 ($100.18M) and VIPER delivery ($314.01M) \u2014 but BOTH had major failures", "dollar_amount_usd": 498000000, "evidence": "USASpending; NASA announcements; news sources", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Peregrine Mission 1 failed Jan 2024 (propellant leak). VIPER cancelled Jul 2024 (cost overrun, then revived under Blue Origin Sep 2025). FO technology not causally linked to CLPS contracts." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 498000000, "kb_page": "organizations/astrobotic.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "Largest dollar value in FO portfolio. But FO project was canceled and TRL gained was zero. Dollar amount reflects CLPS program, not FO technology outcome." }, { "fo_project_id": 12460, "fo_project_title": "Satellite-Based ADS-B Operations Flight Test", "company": "Near Space Corporation (acquired by Aerostar International 2024)", "fo_period": "2013\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Near Space Corporation acquired by Aerostar International LLC, March 25, 2024", "acquirer": "Aerostar International (TCOM-backed)", "year": 2024, "amount_disclosed": false, "evidence": "Multiple news sources; Aerostar press release", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 5200000, "kb_page": "organizations/near-space-corporation.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "ADS-B technology superseded by satellite ADS-B (Aireon/Spire) before FO project ended. Acquisition value was for overall balloon capabilities." }, { "fo_project_id": 106710, "fo_project_title": "Data Buoy for NASA's Long Duration High Altitude Balloons", "company": "Near Space Corporation (acquired by Aerostar International 2024)", "fo_period": "2019\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Near Space Corporation acquired by Aerostar International LLC, March 25, 2024", "acquirer": "Aerostar International", "year": 2024, "evidence": "Multiple news sources", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/near-space-corporation.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "Second FO project for same company. See 12460 for primary entry." }, { "fo_project_id": 12181, "fo_project_title": "Cryocooler Vibrational Characterization", "company": "Ad Astra Rocket Company", "fo_period": "2011\u20132014", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "ground_maturation_only", "description": "VF-200 ISS test cancelled ~2015. NASA provided $8.87M for continued ground development. VASIMR has never flown in space. Still active in 2023 via SBIR.", "evidence": "USASpending; web sources", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 9300000, "kb_page": "organizations/ad-astra-vasimr.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "FO provided useful TRL7 data but the mission it served (ISS VF-200) was cancelled. VASIMR in development since 1970s. Power requirements (200kW) prevent space deployment." }, { "fo_project_id": 94196, "fo_project_title": "Spyder: Critical Technology Demonstration Tests", "company": "UP Aerospace, Inc.", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "Spyder hypersonic maiden flight June 13, 2025 (LANL-funded, Mach 10+); Orbital Spyder (10kg to LEO, ~$1M) in development", "evidence": "NASA Flight Opportunities mission summary; UP Aerospace website; PR Newswire", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "NASA SpaceLoft payload integration and Spyder development contracts", "dollar_amount_usd": 10400000, "evidence": "USASpending page 1", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 10400000, "kb_page": "organizations/up-aerospace.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "Three FO projects (94196, 94202, 106636) cover staging, GNC, and solid motors. Spyder orbital not yet flown. Hypersonic variant flew June 2025 under LANL funding." }, { "fo_project_id": 94202, "fo_project_title": "SPYDER Technology GNC AVA Development", "company": "UP Aerospace, Inc.", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Parallel FO project to 94196; GNC/AVA software development. See organizations/up-aerospace.md", "kb_page": "organizations/up-aerospace.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05" }, { "fo_project_id": 106636, "fo_project_title": "SPYDER in flight", "company": "UP Aerospace, Inc.", "fo_period": "2020\u20132023", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Third FO project: solid upper-stage motors for Spyder. Completed Dec 2023; Spyder hypersonic flight followed June 2025. See organizations/up-aerospace.md", "kb_page": "organizations/up-aerospace.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05" }, { "fo_project_id": 94201, "fo_project_title": "Maturing the M10A 25,000lbf LOX/Methane Broadsword Engine", "company": "Masten Space Systems, Inc. (bankrupt 2022, acquired by Astrobotic)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "technology_absorbed", "description": "Masten bankrupt July 2022; acquired by Astrobotic for $4.5M September 2022. M10A technology and Mojave facility now Astrobotic Propulsion and Test Department.", "acquirer": "Astrobotic Technology", "acquisition_price_usd": 4500000, "year": 2022, "evidence": "TechCrunch; Astrobotic press release; SpaceNews court approval", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "clps_contract_cancelled", "description": "CLPS contract 80JSC020F0262 ($66.13M, 2020) \u2014 XL-1 lunar south pole delivery \u2014 cancelled at bankruptcy", "dollar_amount_usd": 66130000, "evidence": "USASpending; NASA CLPS announcements", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Contract was cancelled, not completed. Payloads redistributed to other CLPS providers." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 82000000, "kb_page": "organizations/masten-space-systems.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "CLPS contract ($66.13M) was cancelled at bankruptcy. Excluding CLPS: ~$16M in active awards tracked. M10A engine TRL4\u21927 \u2014 technically successful, company failed. Technology survived via Astrobotic acquisition." }, { "fo_project_id": 94139, "fo_project_title": "Microgravity Health Care", "company": "Henry Ford Health System", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "clinical_protocol_adoption", "description": "ISS ultrasound diagnostics protocols developed and deployed; non-physician remote ultrasound training protocol now used in global health settings", "evidence": "NASA articles: 'Ultrasound Scans in Space Transform Medicine on Earth'; NASA podcast 'Ultrasounds Anywhere'; peer-reviewed publication 2014", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/henry-ford-health.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "No commercial product or contracts. Impact is clinical/humanitarian: ISS crew diagnostics + global telemedicine via non-physician ultrasound training. TRL4\u21928 is real validation; impact is diffuse rather than tracked in dollars." }, { "fo_project_id": 12196, "fo_project_title": "Evaluation of Medical Chest Drainage System", "company": "Orbital Medicine, Inc.", "fo_period": "2012\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "proof_of_concept_only", "description": "Device functionality demonstrated in parabolic flight (TRL6) and Blue Origin New Shepard (Dec 2017). No ISS certification, no commercial product. Company pivoted to consulting.", "evidence": "NASA Armstrong press release; Blue Origin payload announcement; VACEP startup profile", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/orbital-medicine.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "Classic FO long tail: validated physics, but ISS qualification is expensive and market is tiny. No institutional partner to carry through qualification. PI Cuttino now at Henrico Doctors' Hospitals as EM chairman." }, { "fo_project_id": 91351, "fo_project_title": "Navigation Doppler Lidar Sensor Demonstration for Precision Landing on Solar System Bodies", "company": "NASA Langley Research Center (government; PI: Farzin Amzajerdian)", "fo_period": "2013\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "technology_license_commercial", "description": "Psionic, Inc. (Hampton VA) licensed NDL from NASA in 2016; developed PSNDL commercial product", "company": "Psionic, Inc.", "year": 2016, "evidence": "NASA STMD FO Transitions page; web search", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "mission_flight", "description": "PSNDL flew on IM-1 (Intuitive Machines Nova-C), February 22, 2024 \u2014 saved mission when primary rangefinder failed. First commercial lunar soft landing.", "mission": "Intuitive Machines IM-1 (Moon)", "launch_year": 2024, "evidence": "NASA NTRS IM-1 trajectory reconstruction paper; NASA Langley article", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "Psionic: $14.6M NASA + $1M DoD tracked in USASpending for NDL commercialization", "dollar_amount_usd": 15600000, "company": "Psionic, Inc.", "evidence": "USASpending awards for Psionic, Inc.", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "award", "description": "NASA Invention of the Year (commercial category) 2022", "evidence": "NASA announcement", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 15600000, "kb_page": "organizations/psionic-ndl.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "FO project is government-led (NASA LaRC, not industry). Commercial path via Psionic license. NDL is now TRL9 (flight-proven on Moon). IM-1 is the definitive FO validation story for government-to-commercial technology transfer." }, { "fo_project_id": 12187, "fo_project_title": "Iso-grid, Thermal-Structural Panel (IsoTherm)", "company": "Air Force Research Laboratory - Kirtland (PI: Hans-Peter Dumm); performer: Thermal Management Technologies, LLC", "fo_period": "2012\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Thermal Management Technologies acquired by Phantom Space Corporation, April 2, 2026, for orbital data center thermal management (target: mid-2027 deployment)", "acquirer": "Phantom Space Corporation", "year": 2026, "amount_disclosed": false, "evidence": "PR Newswire; SpaceNews; Via Satellite", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/tmt-isotherm.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05", "notes": "AFRL-led FO project; TMT (North Logan UT, Scott Schick) is developer/performer. FO attribution is AFRL-mediated, not direct FO-to-company. Phantom Space acquisition is for orbital data centers." }, { "fo_project_id": 93857, "fo_project_title": "Resilient Thermal Panel: Microgravity Effects on Isothermality of Structurally Embedded Two Dimensional Heat Pipes", "company": "Air Force Research Laboratory - Kirtland (PIs: Andrew Williams, Joy Stein); performer: Thermal Management Technologies, LLC", "fo_period": "2014\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Follow-on FO project to 12187 (IsoTherm). Same technology, deeper microgravity characterization. See organizations/tmt-isotherm.md", "kb_page": "organizations/tmt-isotherm.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-05" }, { "fo_project_id": 106590, "fo_project_title": "LISA-T Microgravity Deployment Demonstration", "company": "Nexolve Holding Company, LLC", "fo_period": "2018\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "on_orbit_validation", "description": "LISA-T flew on PTD-4 (Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 4) spacecraft 'Triumph', launched SpaceX Transporter-11, August 16, 2024. Deployment confirmed in orbit.", "mission": "PTD-4 / NASA Small Spacecraft Technology Program", "launch_year": 2024, "evidence": "NASA press release; Gunter's Space Page PTD-4; Terran Orbital mission page", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "Sustained NASA contractor: Solar Cruiser sail ($7.33M), lunar lander solar array ($1.12M), DragSail ($888K), NEA Scout, LIDIA antenna, multiple SBIRs", "dollar_amount_usd": 18800000, "evidence": "USASpending page 1", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Solar Cruiser mission cancelled 2022, but Phase III SBIR sail quadrant development contract ($7.33M) continued through 2028" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 18800000, "kb_page": "organizations/nexolve-lisa-t.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "notes": "FO was bridge from TRL5 parabolic test to TRL9 on-orbit. PTD-4 bus was built by Tyvak/Terran Orbital. Clear causal chain: FO \u2192 PTD flight unit contract \u2192 orbit. Acquired by Applied Aerospace Mar 10, 2025 (Archetype 7). PTD-4 deployment anomaly: boom initiated but full petal extension unconfirmed as of Oct 2024." }, { "fo_project_id": 145009, "fo_project_title": "LITTLE OWL (Low SWAP-C Nighttime Landing Hazard Detection System)", "company": "Falcon ExoDynamics, Inc.", "fo_period": "2022\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "LITTLE OWL tested on Astrobotic Xodiac via NASA TechLeap Nighttime Precision Landing Challenge (Sept 2024, April-May 2025). No NASA deployment contract yet.", "evidence": "NASA TechLeap website; NASA press coverage April-May 2025", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_commercial", "description": "Company separately developing Handle 2.0 (modular satellite payload-bus interface) for Space Force. $3.3M Handle 2.0 contract + $2.23M VICTUS SALO2 mission contract. Flies Victus Salo late 2026.", "dollar_amount_usd": 5530000, "evidence": "SpaceNews; USSF SSC press release; USASpending FA881925CB008", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Handle is unrelated to FO-funded LITTLE OWL. Company has dual-market presence: NASA FO (lunar hazard detection) + Space Force (modular sat architecture)." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 5530000, "kb_page": "organizations/falcon-exodynamics.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "FO contribution is to LITTLE OWL (TRL6). Handle 2.0 / DoD revenue is independent of FO. Pattern: FO-funded hardware maturing in parallel with DoD-funded product." }, { "fo_project_id": 106654, "fo_project_title": "Enabling in-situ resource utilization in space through gas fermentation", "company": "Mango Materials Inc.", "fo_period": "2020\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_scale_up", "description": "BioMADE (DoD bioindustrial Manufacturing USA institute) included Mango Materials in $26.9M 17-project investment, Oct 2024. Mango leads project with UC Davis + Black & Veatch to scale methane-to-PHA to 5000L commercial facility.", "evidence": "BioMADE press release; Mango Materials website", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Individual Mango award amount within $26.9M total not publicly disclosed. Running through June 2026." }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "NASA SBIR/STTR: $3M (2021\u20132023) + $1.12M (2017\u20132020) + $123K (2016\u20132017)", "dollar_amount_usd": 4245000, "evidence": "USASpending awards 80NSSC21C0620, 80NSSC17C0026, NNX16CA35P", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 4245000, "kb_page": "organizations/mango-materials.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "Primary commercial market is terrestrial (waste methane from landfills/wastewater \u2192 biodegradable PHA plastic). Space ISRU application validated TRL6 but secondary. PI Allison Pieja is founder." }, { "fo_project_id": 12457, "fo_project_title": "Testing the Deployment and Rollout of the DragEN Electrodynamic Tether for CubeSats", "company": "Saber Astronautics Australia Pty. Ltd.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "software_pivot", "description": "Company pivoted from hardware (DragEN tether) to space domain awareness software. Products: Sentinel (space traffic), WINDU (digital guardian), Space Cockpit, LEA Tool. $8.7M+ Air Force contracts.", "dollar_amount_usd": 8700000, "evidence": "USASpending AF contracts; company website", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "FO contribution to software products: none. DragEN hardware validated TRL6 but not commercially deployed." }, { "type": "follow_on_hardware_grant", "description": "NASA DragEN drag sail grant ($124.5K, 2020) \u2014 small continuation of hardware work", "dollar_amount_usd": 124500, "evidence": "USASpending 80NSSC20C0621", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 8824500, "kb_page": "organizations/saber-astronautics.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "Archetype: FO-funded hardware tech (TRL6) not commercially deployed; company grew via unrelated software market." }, { "fo_project_id": 93962, "fo_project_title": "Testing Near-Infrared Neuromonitoring Devices for Detecting Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes in Parabolic Flight", "company": "Massachusetts General Hospital", "fo_period": "2014\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "clinical_research_adoption", "description": "NINscan 4a validated for wearable cerebral hemodynamics monitoring. NINscan-SE appears in Epilepsy Foundation device wiki for clinical epilepsy monitoring use.", "evidence": "Epilepsy Foundation device wiki; multiple peer-reviewed papers", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "publications", "description": "Primary paper: 'Wearable brain imaging with multimodal physiological monitoring' J Appl Physiol 2017 (DOI in TechPort). Additional papers in J Biomedical Optics (2014, 2016).", "evidence": "DOI 10.1152/japplphysiol.00297.2017; J Biomed Opt publications", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/mgh-ninscan.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "No commercial product. Research continues at MGH Martinos Center. PI Gary Strangman. Consistent with Henry Ford health archetype: FO validates \u2192 academic/clinical adoption \u2192 no commercial spinoff." }, { "fo_project_id": 91634, "fo_project_title": "Dynamic Microscopy System Testing", "company": "Techshot, Inc. (acquired by Redwire Space Technologies 2022)", "fo_period": "2012\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 4 }, "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "no_trl_gain_company_success_elsewhere", "notes": "TRL4\u21924: zero TRL gain in FO project. Company had ISS success via other products (FabLab $4.94M, 3D bioprinting, cell reprogramming facility). Dynamic microscopy specifically was a dead end within Techshot. Company acquired by Redwire 2022.", "kb_page": null, "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91608, "fo_project_title": "Measurement of the Atmospheric Background in the Mesosphere", "company": "Silicon Valley Space Center", "fo_period": "2016\u20132022", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "data_anomaly_no_follow_on", "notes": "Outcome record date (2013-09-01) predates project start (2016-08-19) \u2014 data entry error. PI email is @nasa.gov suggesting PI may be a NASA employee hosted through SVSC. No library documents, no follow-on contracts found. IR mesosphere background measurements may have defense relevance but not traceable.", "kb_page": null, "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106746, "fo_project_title": "Large-Scope Bioprinting in Microgravity", "company": "Center for Applied Space Technology (CAST)", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "proof_of_concept_only", "notes": "Proof-of-concept bioprinter tested in suborbital microgravity. Closed Out 2025. No USASpending awards found for CAST. No commercial product or follow-on contracts found. Bioprinting in microgravity has commercial players (Techshot/Redwire, Auxilium) but CAST was not among them.", "kb_page": null, "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91328, "fo_project_title": "Inductively Coupled Electromagnetic (ICE) Thruster System Development", "company": "MSNW, LLC", "fo_period": "2014\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 3 }, "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "dead_end", "notes": "TRL3\u21923: zero gain. Company wound down ~2017\u20132019 after NextSTEP contract ended. PI John Slough (UW) returned to academic role. ELF/ICE thruster technology not commercialized. Outcome record date (2013) predates project start (2014) \u2014 data error.", "kb_page": "dead_ends/msnw-ice-thruster.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 184148, "fo_project_title": "Hardware for Extraction and Reagent Mixing in Experimental Studies (HERMES)", "company": "Ecoatoms, Inc.", "fo_period": "2025\u20132027", "trl_fo": { "begin": null, "end": null }, "fo_status": "ACTIVE", "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "active_too_early", "notes": "Active project (2025\u20132027). Automated genetic material extraction for space biology. No USASpending contracts found. PI Solange Massa. Atherton CA. Too early to assess outcome.", "kb_page": null, "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 93991, "fo_project_title": "A New Spin on Suborbital Microgravity Research: Developing a Centrifuge for Blue Origin's New Shepard", "company": "NanoRacks, LLC (acquired by Voyager Space 2021)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Voyager Space acquired NanoRacks 2021; NanoRacks became Starlab prime", "acquirer": "Voyager Space", "year": 2021, "evidence": "Voyager Space press release; multiple news sources", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_space_station", "description": "NanoRacks + Voyager Space + Lockheed Martin awarded $160M NASA CLD contract for Starlab commercial space station. Additional $57.5M raised total to $217M+. Jan 2024: Voyager + Airbus formed Starlab Space LLC. Jan 2024: Starship selected as launch vehicle. Feb 2026: CCDR passed. Launch ~2028.", "dollar_amount_usd": 217000000, "evidence": "NASA CLD announcement Dec 2021; multiple news sources; Starlab Wikipedia", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "ISS operations: airlocks, CubeSat deployments, HUNCH, habitat study. $55.9M+ NASA contracts on USASpending page 1.", "dollar_amount_usd": 55900000, "evidence": "USASpending NanoRacks search", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Includes HUNCH high school hardware, airlock ops, CubeSat launches. Does not include Starlab CLD (Space Act Agreement)." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 55900000, "kb_page": "organizations/nanoracks.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "FO centrifuge (TRL5\u21926) was one capability-building node. The main commercial outcome (Starlab) derives from NanoRacks' overall ISS commercial operations track record, not specifically from the FO centrifuge. Attribution is indirect." }, { "fo_project_id": 94161, "fo_project_title": "Demonstration of Enabling Communications Technologies for Future Low-Cost Small Earth Return Vehicles", "company": "Terminal Velocity Aerospace, LLC (subsidiary of SpaceWorks Enterprises)", "fo_period": "2014\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "ADS-B + Iridium tracking validated (TRL4\u21926) \u2192 RED-Data2 atmospheric breakup sensor flew 2017 \u2192 RED-4U product (4 CubeSats or 4\u20138kg). RED is now a commercial payload return product.", "evidence": "SpaceWorks website; Orbital Transports SmallSat Catalog; Factories in Space profile", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/spaceworks-tva.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "TVA is SpaceWorks Enterprises subsidiary. See also FO project 106674 (parent company). RED system is the combined commercial outcome of both FO projects." }, { "fo_project_id": 106674, "fo_project_title": "Enabling Low-Cost, Autonomous Recovery of Small Payloads from Low Earth Orbit", "company": "SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI)", "fo_period": "2020\u20132023", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "Autonomous LEO recovery GNC validated \u2192 RED system commercial offering. MOU with Southern Launch (Australia) Apr 2024. NASA TechLeap Prize Jul 2025 (with Astral Materials, semiconductor crystal return). Demo mission Q2 2026.", "evidence": "SpaceWorks website; TechLeap announcement Jul 2025; satellite evolution news", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "SpaceWorks: $30M+ Air Force + DoD contracts (ETHOS, trajectory, responsive space). Plus Generation Orbit affiliate: $34.6M DoD air-launch contracts.", "dollar_amount_usd": 30000000, "evidence": "USASpending SpaceWorks search", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Much of DoD portfolio is not RED-specific. RED is one product line within larger SpaceWorks portfolio." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 30000000, "kb_page": "organizations/spaceworks-tva.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "TVA (FO 94161) is SpaceWorks subsidiary. Combined, the two FO projects span 2014\u20132023 and produced the RED commercial payload return system. TechLeap 2025 + demo Q2 2026 is the current frontier." }, { "fo_project_id": 158500, "fo_project_title": "Landing Lidar System", "company": "Blue Origin, LLC", "fo_period": "2024\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 4 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "Dual-mode lidar for polar lunar landing developed; almost certainly feeding into Blue Moon MK1 lunar lander (targeting Shackleton Crater, launch 2026\u20132028). Blue Moon MK1 selected to carry VIPER rover (NASA, Sep 2025).", "evidence": "Blue Moon landing system description; NASA VIPER assignment announcement Sep 2025", "confidence": "suggestive", "notes": "TRL did not advance (4\u21924) despite project completion. FO contribution may have been design study/ground test rather than flight test. No explicit TechPort linkage to Blue Moon." } ], "kb_page": "organizations/blue-origin-lidar.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "Blue Origin also has Honeybee Robotics (acquired 2021) with separate FO project [145004]. SPLICE Tipping Point (2018\u20132021) was an earlier, separate partnership that tested NASA-developed NDL on New Shepard \u2014 different from this project." }, { "fo_project_id": 106700, "fo_project_title": "Deployment Test for ExoCam Module Lunar Lander Descent Imaging", "company": "Zandef Deksit Inc.", "fo_period": "2021\u20132022", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_survival", "description": "FY24 SBIR Phase I: $150K for ExoCam vacuum chamber testing (Aug 2024 \u2013 Feb 2025). Company active but primary flight host (Masten) bankrupt.", "dollar_amount_usd": 150000, "evidence": "USASpending award 80NSSC24PB488", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 150000, "outcome_category": "technology_in_limbo", "kb_page": "organizations/zandef-deksit.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "ExoCam tested on Masten Xaero Oct 2021. Masten bankrupt Jul 2022. No confirmed CLPS flight. NTRS 20220012093 confirms NASA documentation. Technology remains viable; needs a new CLPS flight host. Watch for payload manifest announcements." }, { "fo_project_id": 93996, "fo_project_title": "Autolanding for Robotic Precursor Missions", "company": "Astrobotic Technology, Inc.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "technology_absorption", "description": "Autolanding System (AAS) matured here (TRL4\u21926) became the core landing system for Astrobotic landers. USASpending 80LARC19C0008 ($7.97M) continued terrain-relative navigation to TRL9.", "dollar_amount_usd": 7970000, "evidence": "USASpending; TechPort description connecting AAS to lander development", "confidence": "suggestive", "notes": "Stronger FO causal link than [91338] (canceled). The GPS-denied hazard-avoidance AAS is the basis of Peregrine/Griffin navigation." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 7970000, "kb_page": "organizations/astrobotic.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "Second Astrobotic FO project (earlier than canceled 91338). Used Masten Xaero as test vehicle. PI: Kevin Peterson; Co-I: William Whittaker (CMU). Adds to Astrobotic page." }, { "fo_project_id": 106715, "fo_project_title": "ARMAS Dual Monitor Pre-Operations Mission Demonstration (ARMAS DM POMD)", "company": "Space Environment Technologies, LLC", "fo_period": "2020\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 7, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "ARMAS FM11 flew on Intuitive Machines IM-2 Athena lunar lander, launched Feb 26 2025, landed Moon March 6 2025 (southernmost lunar landing ever). Collected 32 hours of radiation data GEO\u2192lunar surface across 6 distinct regions (Van Allen belts, deep space, lunar orbit, lunar surface south pole). Lander tipped on landing but ARMAS functioned throughout transit.", "mission": "Intuitive Machines IM-2 / CLPS (Athena lander)", "launch_year": 2025, "evidence": "SET press release; NASA FO transitions article 'Flight-Tested Technologies for Safety in Space Head to the Moon'; Blue Ghost Mission 1 Wikipedia", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "ARMAS integrated into Virgin Galactic Delta fleet for commercial spaceflight radiation monitoring. Also deployed on commercial airline flights.", "evidence": "NASA FO transitions article; SET website", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_commercial", "description": "Navy annual subscription service for SGI-HASDM space weather indices data product. Multiple renewals tracked 2018\u20132022 ($180K\u2013$490K/year). AFWERX projects selected Oct 2021.", "dollar_amount_usd": 1487000, "evidence": "USASpending Navy awards N6600118P7815, N6600119P6237, N6600120P6336, N6600121P6377, N6600122P6345", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "Active SBIR/STTR chain: $849.9K (Phase II SBIR thermospheric density 2025\u20132027), $846.4K (Phase II SBIR solar/geomagnetic indices 2024\u20132026), $150K Phase I SBIRs continuing. Plus $774.9K NRA (NAIRAS), $389.2K NRA (solar irradiance). Total NASA ~$4.8M tracked.", "dollar_amount_usd": 7930000, "evidence": "USASpending page 1, multiple NASA + DoD + NOAA awards", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "Total tracked ~$7.9M across NASA ($4.8M), DoD ($2.2M), NOAA ($0.9M). Page 1 only; AFWERX contracts not reflected." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 7930000, "kb_page": "organizations/set-armas.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "FO flight test used World View balloon platform (4 flights 2018\u20132024 including 28-day continuous flight) + Blue Origin New Shepard (2022). NASA FO transitions article explicitly attributes balloon tests as enabling path to lunar mission. This is the second FO \u2192 Moon infusion in the KB (after NDL\u2192IM-1). Maturation arc: 2011 first FO experiment \u2192 2025 Moon landing = 14 years. TRL claim varies: project record says 7\u21928, SET claims TRL 9 achieved (lunar flight-qualified)." }, { "fo_project_id": 145004, "fo_project_title": "PUFFER-Oriented Compact Cleaning and Excavation Tool (POCCET) Dust Removal Tool", "company": "Honeybee Robotics, Ltd. (Blue Origin subsidiary)", "fo_period": "2022\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "POCCET technology likely feeds into Honeybee's broader lunar dust mitigation portfolio. Honeybee (Blue Origin sub) is building lunar rover for Firefly CLPS Gruithuisen Domes mission (2028), developing LUNARSABER for DARPA LunA-10, and deployed LAMPS Dust Tolerant Connector at JSC.", "evidence": "Blue Origin press releases; Firefly announcement March 2025; DARPA LunA-10", "confidence": "speculative", "notes": "No direct POCCET deployment confirmed. Company is commercially successful via other products." } ], "outcome_category": "trl_stagnation_subsidiary", "kb_page": "organizations/honeybee-poccet.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "TRL did not advance (5\u21925, target 7). Second Blue Origin/Honeybee FO stagnation case (see also [158500] Blue Origin LiDAR TRL 4\u21924). PI Kris Zacny is expert PI. Stagnation likely due to difficulty of simulating lunar dust behavior in parabolic flight rather than technology failure." }, { "fo_project_id": 106608, "fo_project_title": "Quantum machine learning enhanced sensor combination for Earth Observation (QMLS-EO)", "company": "Orion Labs LLC", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "techleap_prize", "description": "Won inaugural NASA TechLeap Prize. Balloon flight July 28 2022 from Aerostar. Quantum ML model trained in-flight via IBM quantum computers. Dam detection use case confirmed across 6+ hour, several thousand images. Only confirmed detections downlinked (target: reduce bandwidth by not downlinking all imagery).", "evidence": "NASA Armstrong article 'NASA TechLeap Prize Winner Tests Quantum Earth Observation System'; stratocat.com.ar mission log", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "outcome_category": "techleap_winner_no_followon", "kb_page": "organizations/orion-labs-qeobs.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "Micro-company, Nunn CO. USASpending shows only $25.6K and $18.5K from NIST (unrelated vacuum chamber work). No NASA contracts beyond FO project. No LEO mission yet. Technology is real and TechLeap Prize confirms quality, but company lacks scale to proceed independently. Watch for SBIR Phase I or partnership with Earth observation company." }, { "fo_project_id": 155234, "fo_project_title": "Lightweight, High-Efficiency Cryogenic Liquid Acquisition Device", "company": "Creare LLC", "fo_period": "2023\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "LAD validated in parabolic microgravity (TRL5\u21926). Planned delivery to NASA Glenn for LH2 follow-on testing. Feeds into NASA Artemis cryogenic propellant management capability (in-space refueling, lunar surface LOX/LH2 storage).", "evidence": "ScienceDirect 2022 publication; TechPort description; NASA Glenn cryogenic propellant management program", "confidence": "suggestive", "notes": "No single mission infusion identified. Creare is a sustained NASA contractor \u2014 technology will flow through their existing Glenn relationship." }, { "type": "follow_on_contracts", "description": "Creare's broader NASA cryogenic portfolio (same contractor team): $13.17M Phase III SBIR cryocooler (2025\u20132028); $8.99M LH2 thermal control cryocooler (2014\u20132026); $7.68M wide range pump. Total NASA cryogenic contracts $38M+ tracked.", "dollar_amount_usd": 38000000, "evidence": "USASpending Creare LLC search page 1", "confidence": "confirmed", "notes": "These contracts are not LAD-specific but confirm Creare's sustained NASA cryogenic relationship that will carry LAD technology forward." } ], "kb_page": "organizations/creare-lad.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "FO LAD project is one small node in a large Creare NASA cryogenic portfolio. FO attribution is appropriate (validated LAD in microgravity) but cannot draw bright line to specific mission. PI Thomas Conboy." }, { "fo_project_id": 91361, "fo_project_title": "Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensors for ISS (EDLS-ISS) Operational Feasibility for Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Testing", "company": "Aurora Flight Sciences Corp. (acquired by Boeing Nov 2017)", "fo_period": "2014\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "patent", "description": "Patent US20190015702A1 'Dynamic Load Sensor for Microgravity' filed, published 2019. Boeing captured IP via acquisition.", "evidence": "TechPort library item; Google Patents", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "outcome_category": "patent_filed_technology_shelved", "kb_page": "organizations/aurora-edls.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "TRL 4\u21926 in parabolic flight. ISS ARED deployment not confirmed. Boeing acquired Aurora Nov 2017. Aurora core focus is defense autonomous aviation (CRANE, Liberty Lifter, Orion drone) \u2014 not ISS health monitoring. Technology likely shelved. PIs: Christopher Krebs, Jessica Duda (MIT)." }, { "fo_project_id": 106644, "fo_project_title": "Rocket Lab USA Proposal to NASA Space Technology Announcement of Collaborative Opportunity (ACO)", "company": "Rocket Lab USA, Inc.", "fo_period": "2020\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 4 }, "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "testbed_no_payloads", "kb_page": "organizations/rocket-lab-reentry.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "ACO-model project (Space Act Agreement, not standard FO contract). Aimed to establish Electron recovered booster as re-entry testbed for NASA technology testing. TRL 4\u21924 (no advance). No confirmed NASA technology payloads demonstrated on testbed. Electron helicopter catch (May 2022) was self-funded, separate from FO. Rocket Lab has $53M+ NASA contracts but all via launch services (VADR, CAPSTONE, VCLS). PI: Richard T French, Bruce A Bond." }, { "fo_project_id": 91362, "fo_project_title": "Operational Demonstration of the MPS-120 CubeSat High-impulse Adaptable Modular Propulsion System", "company": "Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132017", "fo_status": "CANCELED", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 4 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "MPS-100 product line (MPS-120-1U, MPS-120-2U, MPS-130-1U, MPS-130-2U) commercially available \u2014 listed on SatCatalog and Satsearch. First 3D-printed hydrazine integrated propulsion system for CubeSats. Developed via parallel paths: NASA Small Spacecraft Technology Program (selected Aug 2013) + Aerojet IR&D.", "evidence": "SatCatalog MPS-120 listing; Satsearch; SpaceNews 2014; SmallSat Conference 2014 poster", "confidence": "suggestive", "notes": "MPS-120 is commercially listed. Flight heritage not confirmed in available sources. FO cancellation did not halt commercial development \u2014 parallel support carried it forward." } ], "outcome_category": "canceled_fo_commercial_product_via_parallel_paths", "kb_page": "organizations/aerojet-mps120.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "FO outcome date (2010-01-13) predates project start (2013) \u2014 data error, same pattern as MSNW. Taxonomy error: TX01.2.2 (Electrostatic) is wrong \u2014 MPS-120 is hydrazine monopropellant. PI: Steven R Overton. Pattern matches Busek BIT-3 (canceled FO, commercial product anyway) but without confirmed flight heritage." }, { "fo_project_id": 91392, "fo_project_title": "Flight Demonstration of an Integrated Camera and Solid-State Fine Steering System", "company": "Southwest Research Institute - Boulder", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "fo_status": "CANCELED", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 4 }, "downstream": [], "outcome_category": "dead_end_alternative_approach_succeeded", "kb_page": "organizations/swri-fine-steering.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "notes": "Solid-state fine steering for balloon telescopes failed (TRL 4\u21924, canceled). The parallel BOPPS mission (Sep 2014, Eliot Young PI) demonstrated conventional Fine Steering Mirror (FSM) at 100 Hz \u2014 succeeding where solid-state didn't. BOPPS gondola design adopted by SUNRISE III solar observatory. SwRI balloon telescope science continues via BOPPS track, not this approach. Outcome anomaly: 'Advanced To | 2014-08-01' during active project \u2014 data error." }, { "fo_project_id": 158499, "fo_project_title": "Wheel-Regolith Interactions", "company": "Protoinnovations, LLC", "fo_period": "2024\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "VIPER lunar rover wheel testing; NASA's commercial rover mobility R&D partner; ~$19-20M NASA+DoD contracts through 2027", "confidence": "confirmed", "dollar_amount_usd": 19500000 } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 89360, "fo_project_title": "ARMAS-Hi: Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety - High Altitude", "company": "Space Environment Technologies, LLC", "fo_period": "2017\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "Precursor to ARMAS FM11 on IM-2 Athena (Moon, March 2025); part of multi-year FO project chain [89360] \u2192 [106715] \u2192 IM-2", "confidence": "confirmed", "dollar_amount_usd": 7900000 } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 155254, "fo_project_title": "Manufacturing of Semiconductors and Thin-film Integrated Coatings Parabolic Flight Testing (MSTIC)", "company": "Made in Space, Inc. (\u2192Redwire)", "fo_period": "2023\u20132026", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "MSTIC facility launched to ISS on NG-20, February 2024; 18 thin-film semiconductor samples manufactured on ISS; improved crystal microstructure confirmed", "confidence": "confirmed", "dollar_amount_usd": null } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 106722, "fo_project_title": "Plasma Jet Printing for In Space Manufacturing", "company": "Space Foundry, Inc.", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "NASA Spinoff 2024; ODME ISS demonstration candidate; IP licensed from NASA Ames; DoD Army IR detectors, Air Force printed antennas; $2.3M tracked", "confidence": "suggestive", "dollar_amount_usd": 2300000 } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 106740, "fo_project_title": "Enabling Technology for Thermal Protection on HIAD and Other Hypersonic Missions", "company": "HeetShield, Inc.", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "proof_of_concept", "description": "Flight August 2024 (Blue Origin New Shepard); OFI + FIRA materials validated; HIAD program manager as co-I; pre-revenue startup; no contracts found", "confidence": "suggestive", "dollar_amount_usd": 0 } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 106653, "fo_project_title": "Hydrogen Electrical Power System", "company": "Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc.", "fo_period": "2020\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_maturation", "description": "HEPS hydrogen fuel cell flew Blue Origin New Shepard Sep 18, 2025; NASA Tipping Point ($2.69M) + DOE ($12.59M); Artemis lunar power infusion path via Glenn Research Center co-I", "confidence": "confirmed", "dollar_amount_usd": 18000000 } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 106657, "fo_project_title": "Electrophysiology Recording of Neuronal Networks During Suborbital Spaceflight", "company": "IMEC USA Nanoelectronics Design Center Inc", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_clinical", "description": "Dec 2023 New Shepard flight; Neuropixels validated in space; npj Microgravity (Nature) 2025 publication; VGLUT expression alteration in human neurons microgravity finding", "confidence": "confirmed", "dollar_amount_usd": null } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 106660, "fo_project_title": "Functional Integration of Lens Free Imaging in Suborbital Flight", "company": "IMEC USA Nanoelectronics Design Center Inc", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_clinical", "description": "Dec 2023 New Shepard flight (same payload as [106657]); holographic lens-free imaging validated in microgravity; companion to Neuropixels project", "confidence": "confirmed", "dollar_amount_usd": null } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 158702, "fo_project_title": "Freeze-Tolerant Radiator for Spacecraft Thermal Control", "company": "Creare, LLC", "fo_period": "2024\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "specialist_rd", "description": "Second Creare FO project; freeze-tolerant radiator validated in parabolic flight; feeds Artemis rover/habitat thermal control; Creare NASA portfolio $60M+", "confidence": "suggestive", "dollar_amount_usd": 60000000 } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 106694, "fo_project_title": "Microgravity Investigation for Thin Film Hydroponics", "company": "Space Lab Technologies, LLC", "fo_period": "2019\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "active_sbir_portfolio", "description": "LILYPOND Lab Test Suite at NASA (May 2025); EcoMine lunar mining Phase II IGNITE ($899.8K 2024); $3.8M+ NASA SBIR portfolio across 10+ programs (food/life support/thermal/ISRU)", "confidence": "suggestive", "dollar_amount_usd": 3800000 } ] }, { "fo_project_id": 91422, "fo_project_title": "Guided Parafoil High Altitude Research", "company": "Airborne Systems North America of CA, Inc.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "nasa_contract", "description": "NASA Langley $13.57M contract (80LARC22CA008, 2022\u20132027) for Orion parachute decelerator subsystem \u2014 direct application of high-altitude guided parafoil capability", "dollar_amount_usd": 13570000, "agency": "NASA Langley Research Center", "evidence": "USASpending award 80LARC22CA008", "confidence": "suggestive" }, { "type": "dod_product_line_extension", "description": "FO extended JPADS (Joint Precision Airdrop System) to 50,000+ ft altitude, nearly tripling crossrange. Airborne Systems has $300M+ DoD JPADS contracts (pre-existing product line). FO was product extension qualification, not product creation.", "dollar_amount_usd": 300000000, "note": "Dollar figure is pre-existing DoD portfolio; FO attribution is product extension only", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/airborne-systems.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106717, "fo_project_title": "Autonomous Sampling Technology for Biological Research During Suborbital Rocket Flight (ATOM)", "company": "Mayo Clinic \u2014 Jacksonville", "fo_period": "2019\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_enabling", "description": "ATOM device enables time-resolved biological sampling during suborbital flights for PI Abba Zubair's ISS stem cell program (NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal). Zubair ISS experiments in 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024. No commercial product.", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/mayo-clinic-atom.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91345, "fo_project_title": "Deployable Rigid Adjustable Guided Final Landing Approach Pinions (DRAG FLAPs)", "company": "Masten Space Systems, Inc. (bankrupt 2022)", "fo_period": "2016\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Dead end. Minor VTVL aerodynamic decelerator concept; date anomaly on outcome record. Masten bankrupt 2022; DRAG FLAPs not mentioned in Astrobotic acquisition. See masten-space-systems.md", "kb_page": "organizations/masten-space-systems.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106714, "fo_project_title": "Flight Testing a GNSS Radio Occultation Autonomous System for Commercial Space Weather Applications", "company": "Night Crew Labs LLC", "fo_period": "2020\u20132022", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "noaa_sbir", "description": "NOAA SBIR Phase I ($119.9K, 2018) and Phase II ($400K, 2019\u20132022). No follow-on contracts. Market captured by Spire/GeoOptics/PlanetiQ satellite-based approach.", "dollar_amount_usd": 519900, "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/night-crew-labs.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106621, "fo_project_title": "Asteroid Soil Strength Evaluation Tool (ASSET)", "company": "Honeybee Robotics, Ltd. (Blue Origin subsidiary since 2022)", "fo_period": "2021\u20132026", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "blue_origin_exploration_rd", "description": "ASSET feeds Blue Origin's asteroid mining/surface operations agenda. Honeybee won Firefly lunar rover contract (Gruithuisen Domes, 2028) March 2025. PI Kris Zacny is Honeybee's VP Exploration.", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/honeybee-poccet.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 155245, "fo_project_title": "Condensate Separator for Microgravity Conditions (COSMIC)", "company": "Paragon Space Development Corporation", "fo_period": "2023\u20132026", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_eclss_infusion_path", "description": "COSMIC feeds condensate to ISS Water Processing Assembly (WPA). Paragon is ISS Brine Processor Assembly (BPA) contractor with active contracts 2025\u20132027. Strong institutional infusion path.", "confidence": "suggestive" }, { "type": "artemis_halo_life_support", "description": "Paragon selected as life support team for Artemis HALO module (Lunar Gateway). COSMIC technology directly applicable.", "confidence": "speculative" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/paragon-cosmic.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 158519, "fo_project_title": "Space Metal Processing System (SMPS) Microgravity Testing Through Parabolic Flight", "company": "CisLunar Industries USA, Inc.", "fo_period": "2024\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": null, "end": null }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_national_lab", "description": "FO parabolic tests were explicit precursor to ISS National Lab flight experiment planned 2025. Aluminum rod successfully cast in microgravity (2024).", "confidence": "suggestive" }, { "type": "darpa_luna10", "description": "DARPA LunA-10 (10-year Lunar Architecture) capability study: CisLunar will facilitate METAL framework with 13 other companies.", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_contract", "description": "AFRL SpaceWERX $1.7M (FA864923P0556, 2023\u20132024): Propulsion Ecosystem Based on Recycled Metal Propellant. AFRL $1.9M (FA254125CB053, 2025\u20132027): Space Sustainment and Maneuver.", "dollar_amount_usd": 3600000, "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "kb_page": "organizations/cislunar-industries.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 158680, "fo_project_title": "Microgravity Lab Assistant", "company": "Sierra Lobo, Inc.", "fo_period": "2024\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "TRL5\u21926 Dec 2025. Sierra Lobo operates ISS MSG. ISS deployment plausible but no confirmed contract yet. Too recent (4 months ago) for downstream attribution.", "kb_page": "organizations/sierra-lobo-mla.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12203, "fo_project_title": "Demonstration of Non-Invasive Acquisition of Physiologic Variables from Spaceflight Participants", "company": "The Vital Space Team", "fo_period": "2012\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "PI Ravi Komatireddy pivoted to consumer digital health (Daytona Health, Motiv Labs). No aerospace follow-on. Suborbital tourism market delayed. 'Vital Space Team' may be a project name, not a legal entity.", "kb_page": "organizations/vital-space-team.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 155244, "fo_project_title": "High-Density Energy Storage Technology", "company": "Giner, Inc.", "fo_period": "2023\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "follow_on_contract", "description": "NASA SBIR Phase III RFC 2 kW Fuel Cell Project", "award_id": "80NSSC25C0452", "amount_usd": 931300, "agency": "NASA", "period": "2025\u20132026", "evidence": "USASpending; 3 months after FO project completion", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "notes": "NFTFC gas-liquid separator validated in microgravity on ZERO-G G-Force One. 50-year-old electrochemical R&D firm. FO was one step in a long RFC development arc. Technology targets 14-day lunar night power for Artemis. Total NASA RFC-related: ~$2M.", "kb_page": "organizations/giner-inc.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106642, "fo_project_title": "Investigation of Noncondensable and Autogenous Unsettled Cryogenic Pressurization Schemes in Reduced Gravity", "company": "The Aerospace Corporation (FFRDC)", "fo_period": "2021\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "publication", "description": "Cryogenic helium subsurface pressurization in terrestrial and low-gravity: experiments and flow visualization", "venue": "npj Microgravity (Nature)", "doi": "10.1038/s41526-025-00504-w", "date": "2025-07-15", "evidence": "PubMed PMID 40664701; PMC12264134", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "notes": "FFRDC \u2014 output is knowledge, not commercial product. 19 cases completed on parabolic flights. PI Darr + co-I Jason Hartwig (NASA Glenn). Data fills propellant management gap for Artemis cryogenic systems. Classified as Industry in TechPort but is a nonprofit FFRDC.", "kb_page": "organizations/aerospace-corp-cryogenics.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 184140, "fo_project_title": "Reduced Gravity Measurements of Cryogenic Pool Boiling", "company": "Mudawar Thermal Systems Inc.", "fo_period": "2025-09\u20132025-09", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 4 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "follow_on_contract", "description": "NASA STTR Phase III - Heat Transfer Correlations for Complete Cryogenic Pool Boiling Curve", "award_id": "80NSSC26C0007", "amount_usd": 366600, "agency": "NASA", "period": "2026\u20132027", "evidence": "USASpending; started Apr 15, 2026 \u2014 directly follows FO flight", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "notes": "1-month FO flight Sep 2025. Issam Mudawar (Purdue BTPFL, 400+ papers) is co-I. Academic R&D vehicle. Data feeds Mars ISRU cryogenic design. Phase III award started same week as this session. Total NASA tracked: ~$1.24M.", "kb_page": "organizations/mudawar-thermal.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 93997, "fo_project_title": "Guided Parafoil High Altitude Research II", "company": "Airborne Systems North America of CA, Inc.", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Second GPHAR project; same company as [91422]. Extends JPADS altitude further. Successful second flight Sep 2019. Outcome attributed to Airborne Systems portfolio page; not additive beyond 91422.", "kb_page": "organizations/airborne-systems.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 71978, "fo_project_title": "Evolved Medical Microgravity Suction Device", "company": "Orbital Medicine, Inc.", "fo_period": "2016\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Second Orbital Medicine FO project; same PI (Charles Cuttino). Blue Origin New Shepard flight Dec 2017. TRL 4\u21926 proof of concept. No ISS deployment or commercial product. Same outcome as [12196].", "kb_page": "organizations/orbital-medicine.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91635, "fo_project_title": "1U CubeSat Green Propulsion System with Post-Launch Pressurization Testing", "company": "Busek Company, Inc.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 3 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Second Busek FO project; zero TRL gain. Different from BIT-3 iodine thruster [91700]. NASA Goddard co-I (Eric Cardiff). Busek's commercial success came via BIT-3 track, not this project.", "kb_page": "organizations/busek-company.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106632, "fo_project_title": "Honey Bubble Excitation Experiment (H-BEE) for Lunar Molten Regolith Analog Demonstration", "company": "Honeybee Robotics, Ltd. (Blue Origin)", "fo_period": "2021\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [], "notes": "Third Honeybee/Blue Origin FO project. PI Naclerio. Honey as molten regolith analog for O2 extraction bubble physics. TRL 4\u21925. Feeds Blue Origin lunar ISRU agenda. No standalone commercial outcome.", "kb_page": "organizations/honeybee-poccet.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12272, "fo_project_title": "Fuel Optimal Large Divert Guidance for Planetary Pinpoint Landing (G-FOLD)", "company": "Jet Propulsion Laboratory (FFRDC/UARC)", "fo_period": "2012\u20132014", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "G-FOLD incorporated into Mars 2020 Perseverance Lander Vision System (LVS); landed within 5m of target Feb 18 2021", "mission": "Mars 2020 Perseverance", "launch_year": 2020, "evidence": "NASA/JPL press releases; AIAA SciTech 2022 LVS flight paper; JPL TRN website", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "notes": "Mars 2020 cost ~$2.5B but FO causality fraction is not attributable. G-FOLD + TRN LVS is the critical validated algorithm.", "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_planetary", "kb_page": "organizations/jpl-precision-landing.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91418, "fo_project_title": "Fuel Optimal and Accurate Landing System Test Flights (FOALS)", "company": "Jet Propulsion Laboratory (FFRDC/UARC)", "fo_period": "2014\u20132018", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "ADAPT integrated LVS (TRN + G-FOLD) \u2192 Mars 2020 Perseverance; Dec 2014 Xombie flights were the critical validation", "mission": "Mars 2020 Perseverance", "launch_year": 2020, "evidence": "TechPort library link to parabolicarc.com article; NASA Science LVS article", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_planetary", "kb_page": "organizations/jpl-precision-landing.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12186, "fo_project_title": "Guidance Embedded Navigator Integration Environment (GENIE)", "company": "The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. (Non-Profit)", "fo_period": "2011\u20132013", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion_planned", "description": "GENIE \u2192 DMEN \u2192 CP-12 CLPS lunar far-side lander; $56.93M NASA contract 80JSC022F0174 (2022\u20132026)", "mission": "CP-12 CLPS", "launch_year": 2026, "evidence": "USASpending 80JSC022F0174; Draper news releases; ispace US CP-12 releases", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 56930000, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_commercial_lunar", "kb_page": "organizations/draper-precision-landing.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91344, "fo_project_title": "Demonstration of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nano-tubes for Earth Climate Remote Sensing", "company": "Johns Hopkins University: Applied Physics Laboratory (FFRDC/UARC)", "fo_period": "2013\u20132014 (flight); 2016\u20132022 (TechPort period)", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "VACNT absorbers flew on RAVAN 3U CubeSat (launched Nov 2016); 20+ months Earth radiation budget science; pathfinder for constellation", "mission": "RAVAN CubeSat", "launch_year": 2016, "evidence": "NASA Science Technology Highlights; Remote Sensing 2019 paper (PMC6544159); APL press releases", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "technology_heritage", "description": "Libera instrument ($130M, LASP/CU Boulder) uses VACNT absorbers in 4 radiometers on JPSS-4 satellite; completing CERES data record. Testing complete Jan 2026, launching 2027.", "mission": "Libera / JPSS-4", "launch_year": 2027, "dollar_amount_usd": 130000000, "evidence": "LASP Libera instrumentation page confirms VACNT absorbers; NASA Science blog Jan 30 2026; CU Boulder Today ($130M); SPIE 2020 VACNT vs Black Velvet coating analysis", "confidence": "suggestive", "notes": "Technology heritage, not direct institutional transfer. APL demonstrated VACNTs in space (RAVAN); LASP adopted VACNTs for Libera. Degree of direct knowledge transfer vs independent adoption unclear." } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 137000000, "notes": "RAVAN ~$7M (APL/NASA ESTO) + Libera $130M (LASP, technology heritage). VACNT absorber technology demonstrated by RAVAN pathfinder adopted for $130M flagship-class Earth radiation budget instrument.", "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_cubesat_plus_technology_heritage", "kb_page": "organizations/jhuapl-vacnt-ravan.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07" }, { "fo_project_id": 155261, "fo_project_title": "Suborbital measurements of wildfire smoke to advance multi-sensor coordination observations", "company": "Harvard University (Academia)", "fo_period": "2023\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "near_operational_deployment", "description": "Multi-sensor stratospheric wildfire detection system; controlled burn flight Apr 23 2025 on Aerostar balloon; community warning application", "evidence": "Harvard SEAS press releases Aug/Dec 2025", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "outcome_category": "environmental_monitoring_deployment", "kb_page": "organizations/harvard-wildfire-smoke.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91355, "fo_project_title": "Electromagnetic Field Measurements on sRLV", "company": "Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory", "fo_period": "2013\u20132022", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "JANUS platform foundation \u2192 [91597] \u2192 [106720] \u2192 SELINE CLPS 2028 lunar radiation payload", "mission": "SELINE (Site-agnostic Energetic Lunar Ion and Neutron Environment), CLPS delivery 2028", "evidence": "JHU/APL press release Jan 21 2026; FO record sequential arc", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 9000000, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_planned", "kb_page": "organizations/jhuapl-janus-seline.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91597, "fo_project_title": "Environment monitoring suite on suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle (sRLV)", "company": "Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory", "fo_period": "2013\u20132022", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "JANUS full sRLV environment characterization; highest TRL gain in JHU/APL FO portfolio; enables external payload accommodation \u2192 SELINE arc", "mission": "SELINE CLPS 2028", "evidence": "JHU/APL press releases; 6+ New Shepard flights documented", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_planned", "kb_page": "organizations/jhuapl-janus-seline.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106720, "fo_project_title": "Application Of Europa-Clipper Technology For Lunar Radiation Hazard Identification And Characterization", "company": "Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory", "fo_period": "2019\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "PIMS Faraday cup technology + JANUS platform validated for lunar radiation detection \u2192 SELINE selected Jan 2026 by NASA for CLPS 2028; PI Drew Turner is also PIMS investigation scientist for Europa Clipper", "mission": "SELINE (Site-agnostic Energetic Lunar Ion and Neutron Environment), CLPS 2028", "evidence": "NASA press release Jan 21 2026; JHU/APL announcement 260121; Drew Turner confirmed as SELINE PI and Europa Clipper PIMS investigation scientist", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 9000000, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_planned", "kb_page": "organizations/jhuapl-janus-seline.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91341, "fo_project_title": "Testing ON-OFF Gecko Adhesive Grippers in Microgravity", "company": "Jet Propulsion Laboratory / Stanford University", "fo_period": "2014\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_spinoff", "description": "OnRobot Gecko Gripper commercial product (distributed by Marvin Robotics); licensed from Stanford/Caltech via Perception Robotics; shipping since 2018", "evidence": "NASA Spinoff article; company merger documentation; Marvin Robotics product page", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "iss_demonstration", "description": "ISS Astrobee demo Apr 9+15 2021; astronauts Kate Rubins and Victor Glover; successful perch on ISS wall", "evidence": "Stanford News May 2021; JPL press release", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "ongoing_research", "description": "Phoenix Gecko Gripper for orbital debris capture \u2014 active JPL research program", "evidence": "JPL Robotics page: Gecko-like Adhesives for Orbital Debris Applications", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "outcome_category": "commercial_spinoff_nasa_spinoff", "kb_page": "organizations/jpl-gecko-gripper.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12284, "fo_project_title": "Advanced Micro Sun Sensor", "company": "Jet Propulsion Laboratory", "fo_period": "2012\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "Micro sun sensor delivered to Georgia Tech in 2015; flew on Prox-1 (Falcon Heavy STP-2, Jun 25 2019); first orbital validation of JPL miniature sun sensor", "mission": "Prox-1 (NSSDC 2019-036A), Georgia Tech small satellite", "launch_year": 2019, "evidence": "TechPort library item directly links to Prox-1 NSSDC page; web search confirms delivery to Georgia Tech; U.S. Air Force funded mission", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion", "kb_page": "organizations/jpl-micro-sun-sensor.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91411, "fo_project_title": "FPGA-based Radiation Tolerant Reconfigurable Computer System Testing", "company": "Montana State University (PI: Brock LaMeres)", "fo_period": "2013\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_deployment", "description": "RTcMISS installed on ISS (NanoRacks Platform-1), Dec 13, 2016 via HTV-6/Kounotori 6; 12-month operation 2017", "mission": "ISS RTcMISS", "launch_year": 2016, "evidence": "TechPort description with ISS Research Explorer links; HTV-6 NanoRacks manifest", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "cubesat_mission", "description": "RadSat-g 3U CubeSat deployed from ISS Jul 13, 2018 (OA-9/NG-9); RadSat-u deployed Feb 2020 (NG-12)", "mission": "RadSat-g (NORAD 43553) + RadSat-u", "launch_year": 2018, "evidence": "Gunter's Space Page; eoPortal; MSU ground station records", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "RadPC flew on Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1 to lunar surface; landed Mare Crisium Mar 2, 2025; operated 346 hours (full lunar day + 5+ hrs lunar night); TRL 9 achieved; 119+ GB data returned", "mission": "Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1 (CLPS)", "launch_year": 2025, "dollar_amount_usd": 1600000, "evidence": "Bozeman Daily Chronicle; Firefly Aerospace press releases; NASA mission blog; AIAA Aerospace America post-mission", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_spinoff", "description": "Resilient Computing (Bozeman MT) founded ~2020-21 by LaMeres; MSU licensed RadPC IP; marketing radiation-tolerant space computers", "evidence": "Bozeman Daily Chronicle spinoff announcement; MSU Technology Transfer Office", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 1600000, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion_trl9", "kb_page": "organizations/msu-radpc.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91382, "fo_project_title": "Exo-Atmospheric Aerobrake Flight Testing (Exo-Brake)", "company": "NASA Ames Research Center (PI: Marc Murbach)", "fo_period": "2015\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "post_fo_missions", "description": "4 post-FO TechEdSat missions: TES-7 (Virgin Orbit Jan 2021, 87% lifetime reduction), TES-10 (ISS 2020, active drag modulation), TES-13 (Virgin Orbit Jan 2022), TES-15 (Firefly Alpha Oct 2022). NTRS 20230001631 documents arc.", "evidence": "TechEdSat Wikipedia; eoPortal; SmallSat 2023 paper NTRS 20230001631", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "outcome_category": "archetype_14_flight_qualified_awaiting_mission", "notes": "TRL 8 demonstrated; controlled sample recovery not demonstrated; program wound down ~2022", "kb_page": "organizations/exo-brake.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106639, "fo_project_title": "Evaluation of Computed Axial Lithography for rapid, volumetric AM under low-gravity", "company": "UC Berkeley (PI: Hayden Taylor)", "fo_period": "2021\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "suborbital_flight", "description": "Virgin Galactic 07 (VSS Unity) Jun 8, 2024: autonomously printed/post-processed 4 parts in 140 seconds at ~80 km altitude", "evidence": "Berkeley Engineering News July 2024; Voxel Matters coverage; NASA FO technology page", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "iss_pipeline", "description": "LLNL + Space Tango NASA InSPA award (~$21M pool, 8 projects, Apr 2022): ISS-adapted CAL ('Replicator') for cartilage bioprinting in microgravity", "mission": "ISS via InSPA program", "dollar_amount_usd": 1400000, "evidence": "LLNL press release; NASA InSPA program announcement", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 1400000, "outcome_category": "active_maturation_iss_pipeline", "kb_page": "organizations/uc-berkeley-spacecal.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 145001, "fo_project_title": "A-LiST (Automated LiDAR Scanning Topography)", "company": "USF Institute of Applied Engineering (PI: Peter Jorgensen)", "fo_period": "2022\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "competition_prize", "description": "Won NASA TechLeap Nighttime Precision Landing Challenge No. 1 (Jul 21, 2023); $500K prize; flew on Astrobotic Xodiac Aug 10, 2024 at Mojave (nighttime landing demo over lunar analog terrain)", "dollar_amount_usd": 500000, "evidence": "NASA TechLeap press release; USF news article; NASA FO nighttime precision landing page", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 500000, "outcome_category": "techleap_prize_winner", "kb_page": "organizations/", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12244, "fo_project_title": "OSIRIS-REx Low-Gravity Regolith Sampling Tests", "company": "Lockheed Martin Inc. (LMSSC)", "fo_period": "2012\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "TAGSAM validated in FO parabolic flights: 4-5x performance improvement over ground-based tests; OSIRIS-REx launched Sep 2016, sampled asteroid Bennu Oct 20 2020, returned 60g Sep 2023; co-PI was mission PI Dante Lauretta", "mission": "OSIRIS-REx (New Frontiers III)", "launch_year": 2016, "evidence": "Space Science Reviews 2018 TAGSAM paper; NASA OSIRIS-REx mission page; TechPort description", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion", "notes": "Mission cost ~$800M. FO funded the parabolic campaign that validated TAGSAM before launch. This is one of the clearest deep-space mission infusion cases in the FO portfolio.", "kb_page": "organizations/lockheed-osiris-rex.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106634, "fo_project_title": "Space Fibers 3 Preflight", "company": "FOMS, Inc.", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_deployment", "description": "FO parabolic validation \u2192 ISS deployment via CRS-25 (Jul 14-16, 2022); 11.9 km ZBLAN fiber produced on ISS; 45x daily production record (1141m/day vs 25m prior record)", "mission": "ISS / SpaceX CRS-25", "launch_year": 2022, "evidence": "NASA Armstrong news; SpaceNews FOMS report", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "outcome_category": "iss_deployment_commercial_tbd", "kb_page": "organizations/foms-mercury-zblan.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106682, "fo_project_title": "Orbital Fiber Optic Production Module (ORFOM)", "company": "Mercury Systems (formerly Physical Optics Corporation)", "fo_period": "2020\u20132021", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_deployment", "description": "Flew on same CRS-25 mission as FOMS SF3 (Jul 2022); automated ZBLAN fiber production on ISS; Mercury Systems acquired POC for ~$425M in 2021", "mission": "ISS / SpaceX CRS-25", "launch_year": 2022, "evidence": "NASA Armstrong news; Mercury Systems case study", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "outcome_category": "iss_deployment_commercial_tbd", "kb_page": "organizations/foms-mercury-zblan.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 72036, "fo_project_title": "Testing of a Novel IVA Space Suit", "company": "Final Frontier Design", "fo_period": "2017\u20132018", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Final Frontier Design acquired by Paragon Space Development Corporation (Jan 2022); Paragon + Axiom Space won NASA xEVAS contract (10-year, up to $3.5B) for next-gen Artemis spacesuits", "dollar_amount_usd": 228500000, "evidence": "Paragon press release Jan 2022; NASA xEVAS contract announcement Jun 2022", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 228500000, "outcome_category": "acquisition_then_mission_contract", "notes": "FO TRL gain was zero (5\u21925). The company outcome is positive but causal link to FO is indirect. Paragon's xEVAS value driven by their existing ISS ECLSS position, not FFD's FO data.", "kb_page": "organizations/final-frontier-design.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 94192, "fo_project_title": "LauncherOne Collaborative Opportunity (Ames collaboration)", "company": "Virgin Orbit", "fo_period": "2015\u20132018", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_launch", "description": "LauncherOne achieved 4 successful orbital missions (Jan 2021 \u2013 Jul 2022); delivered 10 NASA CubeSats on first success (Jan 17, 2021); company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy Apr 2023; assets sold to Rocket Lab ($16M), Launcher ($3M), Stratolaunch ($17M)", "evidence": "LauncherOne Wikipedia; Virgin Orbit Wikipedia; SpaceNews bankruptcy coverage", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "outcome_category": "commercial_success_then_failure", "notes": "4 orbital successes then bankruptcy. Technology worked; business model failed. Analogous to Astra Space (Ventions).", "kb_page": "organizations/virgin-orbit.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106687, "fo_project_title": "Psionic Navigation Doppler LIDAR: Precision Navigation Sensor for Lunar Missions", "company": "Psionic, LLC", "fo_period": "2019\u20132021", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "Psionic's own FO project (4th-gen PNDL) directly feeds into IM-1 lunar landing Feb 22, 2024; PNDL provided 100% valid measurements when primary sensor failed; trajectory reconstruction accuracy ~5m / 0.5 m/s", "mission": "Intuitive Machines IM-1 (Nova-C lunar lander)", "launch_year": 2024, "evidence": "NASA NTRS 20250008015 (IM-1 trajectory reconstruction); psionicnav.com; NASA FO technology page", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 15600000, "outcome_category": "mission_infusion", "notes": "This is Psionic's own FO project, distinct from NASA LaRC project [91351]. The FO arc is: LaRC [91351] \u2192 license \u2192 Psionic [106687] \u2192 IM-1 TRL9. Both FO projects contributed to the same terminal outcome.", "kb_page": "organizations/psionic-ndl.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 158514, "fo_project_title": "Parabolic Flight Testing for SEER", "company": "Blueshift LLC (Outward Technologies)", "fo_period": "2024\u20132027", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_portfolio", "description": "21 NASA SBIR/STTR contracts across 8+ ISRU product lines: SEER sintering, MORRE O2 extraction, LAMA mirror array, SOWAR solar welder, RE4CH casting, terramechanics, plume-surface modeling", "dollar_amount_usd": 7900000, "evidence": "USASpending 21 contract records; sbir.nasa.gov firm profile", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 7900000, "kb_page": "organizations/blueshift-outward.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 145002, "fo_project_title": "Stratospheric Optical Link Demonstration (SOLD)", "company": "Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific", "fo_period": "2022\u20132023", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "dod_orbital_mission", "description": "SOLD was deliberate risk-reduction precursor for LaCE orbital mission (2-CubeSat LEO, Mar 2024–May 2025); NIWC validated stratospheric test approach in post-mission review", "evidence": "NIWC press release navy.mil; SmallSat Conference 2024/2025 papers", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_program", "description": "CACI (Skylight terminal maker) selected for EST Phase 2 (~$100M Space Force lasercom terminal program, May 2025). CACI CrossBeam terminal operational on DARPA Blackjack 3.5+ years; first to pass SDA OIT (Sep 2023); SDA Tranche 0/1/2 wins. SOLD tested the optical physics that informs all CACI terminal products.", "dollar_amount_usd": 100000000, "evidence": "SSC press release May 2025; SpaceNews CACI SDA OIT Sep 2023; CACI investor relations; CACI.com 'Lighting the Future' article", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 100000000, "notes": "EST $100M is total program value (shared with General Atomics and Viasat). CACI-specific share unknown. Attribution from SOLD to CACI's broader lasercom program is suggestive — Skylight (SOLD terminal) and CrossBeam (SDA production terminal) are parallel product lines sharing optical physics knowledge.", "kb_page": "organizations/niwc-pacific-sold.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07" }, { "fo_project_id": 91373, "fo_project_title": "EHD Gas-Liquid Phase Separation", "company": "New Jersey Institute of Technology", "fo_period": "2012\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_escalation", "description": "FO discovery (cone-shaped meniscus) \u2192 Physical Review Letters 2015 \u2192 ISS experiment grant (K) \u2192 npj Microgravity 2025 publication", "dollar_amount_usd": 815000, "evidence": "NJIT news; PRL paper DOI 10.1103/PhysRevLett.114.054501; npj Microgravity 2025", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 815000, "kb_page": "organizations/njit-ehd.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12235, "fo_project_title": "ADS-B for Commercial Space Phase 1", "company": "Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University", "fo_period": "2012\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "regulatory_adoption", "description": "FAA-AST took over Phase 2 [106592] as lead org; TRL 6\u21927; supports Part 450 airspace integration", "evidence": "TechPort project [106592] shows FAA-AST as lead org; PI changed to Demidovich (FAA)", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/embry-riddle-ads-b.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 91335, "fo_project_title": "SPHERES INSPECT Navigation Sensor Platform", "company": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology", "fo_period": "2014\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_infrastructure", "description": "SPHERES\u2192Astrobee ISS transition; DARPA Phoenix UDP docking; ISS free-flyer paradigm", "evidence": "ISS Daily Summary 2017-04-05; NASA Astrobee documentation; IEEE Aerospace 2016", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/mit-spheres.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 94199, "fo_project_title": "Carbon Nanotube Infused Launch Vehicle Structures", "company": "Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (formerly Orbital ATK)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "product_improvement", "description": "CNT composites incorporated into Minotaur IV launch vehicle program; 30\u00d7 improved damping, 12 dB attenuation, 13% payload mass increase; isolation system elimination", "evidence": "Northrop Grumman Letter of Appreciation (TechPort file 368768, dated 2/26/19); USASpending 80AFRC17C0015 ($1.95M)", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "industry_knowledge", "description": "Results presented at Aerospace Testing Seminar (Oct/Nov 2018) and Shock & Vibration Exchange; paradigm shift in shock test methods; 20 dB conservatism proven in industry standard", "evidence": "Northrop Grumman Letter of Appreciation", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 1950000, "kb_page": "organizations/northrop-grumman-cnt.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106586, "fo_project_title": "Autonomous Flight Termination System", "company": "NASA Kennedy Space Center", "fo_period": "2018\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_infrastructure", "description": "KSC AFTS technology transferred to Rocket Lab; first US Electron launch from LC-2 Wallops Dec 2020; 30+ subsequent US Rocket Lab launches enabled", "evidence": "KSC Technology Transfer Office award; Rocket Lab press release", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/ksc-afts.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106659, "fo_project_title": "Zero-G Technology Demonstration of Low-Cost CubeSat Attitude Control with HDD Reaction Wheels", "company": "University of California, Davis", "fo_period": "2019\u20132021", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "technology_adoption", "description": "Cornell University adopted HDD wheels for ISS CubeSat launched on Crew-11 (2025); REALOP ELaNa mission 2026; open-source design for university CubeSats", "evidence": "TechPort description; web search confirmation", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/uc-davis-hdd-wheels.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 94203, "fo_project_title": "Propulsion System & Structural Loads Test at SSC", "company": "Relativity Space, Inc.", "fo_period": "2017\u20132018", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 4 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "vc_scale_up", "description": "Relativity raised $1.3B+ VC; Terran 1 reached space March 2023; Terran R in development; $4.2B+ valuation", "evidence": "Crunchbase; SpaceNews reporting; USASpending ~$115K FO contract", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 115000, "kb_page": "topics/launch-vehicle-cluster.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 94195, "fo_project_title": "H2O2/Kerosene Engine Development for Small Launch Vehicle", "company": "Dynetics Inc. (acquired by Leidos $1.65B, Jan 2020)", "fo_period": "2015\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Leidos acquired Dynetics for $1.65B (Dec 2019/Jan 2020); SLV program shelved; acquisition driven by defense capabilities, not SLV", "evidence": "Leidos press release; USASpending $853M+ Dynetics NASA portfolio", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 853000000, "kb_page": "topics/launch-vehicle-cluster.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 89413, "fo_project_title": "Honeybee Robotics PlanetVac on Masten Lander", "company": "Honeybee Robotics (Blue Origin)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132021", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "PlanetVac collected lunar regolith on Blue Ghost Mission 1 (Firefly Aerospace CLPS), Mare Crisium, March 2, 2025. 1-second pneumatic gas blast. First fully successful commercial Moon landing.", "mission": "Blue Ghost Mission 1 (CLPS-2)", "launch_year": 2025, "evidence": "Firefly Aerospace press release; NASA blogs; web search results", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "PlanetVac P-Sampler variant shipped to JAXA Feb 2023 for MMX mission to Phobos (Mars moon). Launch 2026, sample return to Earth 2031.", "mission": "JAXA MMX (Martian Moons eXploration)", "launch_year": 2026, "evidence": "Blue Origin press release; Planetary Society; JAXA MMX page", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "nasa_contract", "description": "NASA MSFC contract for lunar regolith acquisition and transfer", "contract_id": "80MSFC20C0007", "dollar_amount_usd": 6310000, "evidence": "USASpending.gov", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 6310000, "kb_page": "topics/honeybee-planetvac-cluster.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12176, "fo_project_title": "Electric Field Effects on Pool Boiling Heat Transfer", "company": "University of Maryland (Jungho Kim)", "fo_period": "2011\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_experiment", "description": "Kim's MABE pool boiling experiment flew on ISS (Shuttle Discovery launch), producing 200+ boiling tests. FO parabolic data fed ISS experiment design.", "mission": "ISS \u2014 Microheater Array Boiling Experiment (MABE)", "evidence": "ASME J Heat Transfer Vol. 134 (2012); GRC BXF page", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "iss_experiment", "description": "Kim's Microgravity Pool Boiling Experiment (MPBE) upgraded to 'flight definition' by NASA (2023). Direct continuation of FO pool boiling work.", "mission": "ISS \u2014 MPBE (flight definition status)", "evidence": "UMD Mechanical Engineering news 2023", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "program_transition", "description": "STRG project [4293] officially recorded 'Infused To' and 'Transitioned To NSF' (Dec 2015)", "evidence": "TechPort technologyOutcomes field for project 4293", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "topics/umd-heat-transfer-cluster.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 12172, "fo_project_title": "FAA ADS-B Regulatory Cluster (8 projects)", "company": "FAA-AST / Embry-Riddle (Demidovich / Stansbury)", "fo_period": "2012\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "regulatory_adoption", "description": "FAA took over ADS-B project as lead org (Phase 2+). Part 450 finalized 2021, fully enforced March 9, 2026. \u00a7 450.167 requires vehicle tracking. ADS-B data informed tracking capability understanding.", "evidence": "14 CFR Part 450; FAA press release March 2026; TechPort lead org field showing FAA-AST", "confidence": "suggestive" }, { "type": "regulatory_adoption", "description": "8th project [106667] General Aviation Strobe for RLVs (TRL 4\u21926, 2020-2023) completes the cluster: ADS-B tracking + black box + aviation strobe = full NAS integration toolkit", "evidence": "TechPort project 106667", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/embry-riddle-ads-b.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06" }, { "fo_project_id": 106593, "fo_project_title": "GPS/Galileo Receiver for Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate (GARHEO)", "company": "Qascom S.r.l.", "fo_period": "2020-02 to 2020-10", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "LuGRE (Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment) on Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1. First-ever GNSS navigation fix on the lunar surface (Mar 3, 2025). Joint NASA/ASI payload.", "mission": "Blue Ghost Mission 1 (CLPS)", "launch_year": 2025, "evidence": "NASA FO transitions page; GPS World article; NASA Goddard LuGRE page; Qascom press release", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/qascom-lugre.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 23, "note": "Previously classified as dead end (Session 4). Corrected to mission infusion in Session 23." }, { "fo_project_id": 12177, "fo_project_title": "Radio Frequency Mass Gauge on Parabolic", "company": "NASA Glenn Research Center", "fo_period": "2011-08 to 2014-08", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "RFMG flew as NASA payload on Intuitive Machines IM-1 Odysseus Nova-C lander. Measured propellant levels from tank loading through lunar surface. Results: NTRS 20240014338.", "mission": "IM-1 Odysseus (CLPS)", "launch_year": 2024, "evidence": "NTRS 20240014338; NASA Glenn press release Feb 2024; FO Community of Practice webinar Aug 2024", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "RFMG previously deployed on ISS as part of RRM3 (Robotic Refueling Mission-3, 2018). Cited in Perseverance CFM analysis.", "mission": "ISS RRM3 + Mars 2020 Perseverance CFM", "launch_year": 2018, "evidence": "TechPort outcome records (Advanced To x2); library items (RRM3 overview, Perseverance CFM presentation)", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/grc-cryogenic-power.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 23, "note": "RFMG IM-1 lunar mission connection confirmed in Session 23. Previously documented for ISS RRM3 only." }, { "fo_project_id": 106703, "fo_project_title": "Autonomous Robot Swarms for Lunar Orbit Servicing and Space Asset Assembly", "company": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology", "fo_period": "2020-2024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "AstroAnt mini robot (MIT Space Exploration Initiative) flew on IM-2 Athena as commercial payload on MAPP-1 rover. FO parabolic testing in 2021 matured mobility. Lander tipped \u2014 AstroAnt could not deploy on surface.", "mission": "IM-2 Athena (CLPS)", "launch_year": 2025, "evidence": "NASA FO transitions page; MIT AstroAnt project page; IM-2 mission reports", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "topics/fo-technologies-on-the-moon.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 23 }, { "fo_project_id": 94156, "fo_project_title": "Technology Maturation of a Dual-Spinning CubeSat Bus", "lead_org": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology", "pi": "Kerri Cahoy", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "FO parabolic flight verified dual-spinning CubeSat bus (2U bus + 1U rotating payload). Architecture became MicroMAS -> MicroMAS-2a -> TROPICS constellation (4 CubeSats, NASA Earth Venture Mission, launched May 2023). Operational constellation for tropical cyclone monitoring with 30-min revisit.", "mission": "TROPICS (NASA Earth Venture Mission)", "launch_year": 2023, "evidence": "NASA FO transitions page; TechPort [94156] description; TROPICS mission documentation", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/mit-tropics-cubesat.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 24 }, { "fo_project_id": 94156, "fo_project_title": "Technology Maturation of a Dual-Spinning CubeSat Bus", "lead_org": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology", "pi": "Kerri Cahoy", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_tech_transfer", "description": "MIT Lincoln Lab CRADA (2022, 18-month transfer) transferred TROPICS microwave sounder designs to Tomorrow.io. Tomorrow.io launched 13 TMS satellites (2024-2026), 11 operational. NOAA validated as first commercial provider of operationally validated microwave sounder data (Jan 2026). FLC 2025 Excellence in Technology Transfer Award.", "company": "Tomorrow.io (The Tomorrow Companies Inc.)", "first_launch_year": 2024, "evidence": "MIT LL CRADA documentation; FLC 2025 award; NOAA CWDP evaluation Jan 2026; USASpending awards; QJRMS Guerrette et al. 2026", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "government_contract", "description": "Tomorrow.io received $35.1M in tracked USASpending awards (USAF $27.0M, NOAA $5.8M, NASA $2.2M) for weather data pilot programs and constellation development. NOAA RFP for commercial microwave sounder data buy released Apr 2026.", "total_usd": 35100000, "evidence": "USASpending.gov search for 'The Tomorrow Companies Inc.' — 12 awards tracked", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "private_funding", "description": "Tomorrow.io raised ~$500M total VC funding across 6 rounds. $175M Series F (Feb 2026) at >$1B valuation (unicorn). Stonecourt Capital, HarbourVest, Square Peg.", "total_usd": 500000000, "evidence": "Crunchbase; Calcalist Tech; PR Newswire Feb 2026", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 535100000, "kb_page": "topics/tropics-tomorrow-io-tech-transfer.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 80 }, { "fo_project_id": 12272, "fo_project_title": "G-FOLD: Fuel Optimal Large Divert Guidance", "lead_org": "Jet Propulsion Laboratory", "pi": null, "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "G-FOLD algorithms tested on Masten Xombie via FO (2013-2014) became core of Lander Vision System (LVS) on Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. LVS guided Perseverance to land within 5m of target at Jezero Crater Feb 18 2021.", "mission": "Mars 2020 Perseverance", "launch_year": 2020, "evidence": "NASA FO transitions page; JPL precision landing documentation", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/jpl-precision-landing.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 24, "notes": "Mars linkage added Session 24 for FO-to-Mars synthesis" }, { "fo_project_id": 106725, "fo_project_title": "Fluidic Telescope Experiment (FLUTE)", "company": "NASA Ames Research Center / Technion", "fo_period": "2021\u20132024", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_deployment", "description": "FLUTE experiment on Axiom-1 mission (Apr 2022): astronaut Eytan Stibbe created and solidified polymer lenses in microgravity aboard ISS", "mission": "Axiom-1 / ISS", "launch_year": 2022, "evidence": "NASA FLUTE articles; Space.com Axiom-1 coverage; NASA transitions page", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "program_transition", "description": "FO parabolic flight data led to NIAC Phase I [158445] (May 2023, completed) and Phase II [158446] (May 2024, active, $600K). 50-meter liquid mirror telescope concept. Also parallel GSFC CIF projects [146424] and [146537]", "mission": "NIAC Phase I + II", "launch_year": null, "evidence": "TechPort technologyOutcomes on [158445]; NIAC project records", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 600000, "kb_page": "organizations/ames-flute.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 25, "notes": "6-project chain across 4 programs (FO, GSFC CIF x2, NIAC Phase I+II). PI Balaban. Revolutionary 50m liquid mirror telescope concept" }, { "fo_project_id": 91350, "fo_project_title": "Droplet Pinning in Microgravity Testing (RSD)", "company": "Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute", "fo_period": "2015\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_deployment", "description": "RSD module launched to ISS July 2019 as ISS National Lab facility in Microgravity Science Glovebox. 4 FO projects (91350, 94137, 106625, 106698) developed hardware through parabolic flights. ISS campaigns: amyloid fibril formation + Interfacial Bioprocessing of Pharmaceuticals (IBP). npj Microgravity publication (2022). 2025 ISSRDC presentation.", "mission": "ISS (MSG facility)", "launch_year": 2019, "evidence": "ISS National Lab RSD facility page; npj Microgravity 8, 41 (2022); 2025 ISSRDC presentation", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/rpi-ring-sheared-drop.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 25, "notes": "4-FO-project, 8-year arc (2015-2023). PI Hirsa. Containerless biochemical reactor. Amyloid/Alzheimer's research. ISS National Lab facility" }, { "fo_project_id": 93937, "fo_project_title": "Effects of Microgravity on Intracranial Pressure", "company": "University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center", "fo_period": "2014\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "publication", "description": "4+ peer-reviewed papers directly from FO data including J Physiol 2019, JAMA Ophthalmology 2021", "evidence": "TechPort library items (files 368294, 368293, 368291, 368292)", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "countermeasure_development", "description": "LBNP sleeping bag for SANS prevention, developed with REI, validated in randomized crossover trial", "evidence": "Hearon et al. JAMA Ophthalmology 2021 (DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.5200)", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/ut-southwestern-icp.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 27, "notes": "PI Levine. First direct ICP measurements in microgravity. LBNP sleeping bag for SANS. Terrestrial TBI application." }, { "fo_project_id": 91340, "fo_project_title": "Microgravity Fabrication of Freeze-cast Titanium Foams Testing", "company": "Northwestern University", "fo_period": "2015\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_selection", "description": "Selected for ISS testing August 2016. SpaceICE CubeSat + ISS Materials Lab sample-return mission planned.", "evidence": "TechPort description text; Dunand group website", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "program_transition", "description": "STRG predecessor [4241] transitioned to SBIR and GCD programs", "evidence": "TechPort technologyOutcomes on project 4241", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/northwestern-freeze-cast.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 27, "notes": "PI Dunand. 2 FO projects + STRG predecessor. ISS selection + SpaceICE CubeSat. FreezeCasting.net open data." }, { "fo_project_id": 12464, "fo_project_title": "Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Microgravity", "company": "Wyle Laboratories, Inc.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_deployment", "description": "OCT deployed on ISS as Investigation #1146; became standard SANS diagnostic instrument", "evidence": "NASA ISS Research Explorer; multiple ARVO/JAMA publications using ISS OCT data", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_project", "description": "Mini OCT [157621] at JSC (TRL 5\u21929, 2022\u20132029) for Artemis Moon/Mars missions", "evidence": "TechPort project 157621", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/wyle-oct-sans.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 27, "notes": "PI Ebert (JSC contractor). FO\u2192ISS operational instrument\u2192Artemis Mini OCT pipeline. Clearest 3-stage FO arc." }, { "fo_project_id": 91638, "fo_project_title": "DAAFC under Microgravity Conditions", "company": "University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "iss_prototype", "description": "AELISS autonomous electrochemical system met NASA ISS requirements", "evidence": "npj Microgravity 2023 publication", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/upr-ammonia-fuel-cell.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 27, "notes": "PI Cabrera (now UTEP). Ammonia fuel cell for ECLSS water reclamation. npj Microgravity 2023 AELISS." }, { "fo_project_id": 106681, "fo_project_title": "High-Altitude Electromagnetic Sounding of Earth and Planetary Interiors", "company": "Southwest Research Institute", "fo_period": "2017\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 2, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "Lunar Magnetotelluric Sounder (LMS) deployed on Moon via Blue Ghost M1 CLPS, March 2, 2025", "mission": "Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1 (CLPS)", "launch_year": 2025, "evidence": "SwRI press releases; NASA CLPS payload documentation; TechPort library link to lunar contract", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "follow_on_instrument", "description": "LITMS (Lunar Interior Temperature and Materials Suite) selected for Schr\u00f6dinger Basin far-side CLPS", "evidence": "SwRI press releases", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/swri-cluster.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 27, "notes": "PI Grimm. 7th FO technology on the Moon. First extraterrestrial magnetotellurics. TRL 2\u21925 (+3 gain)." }, { "fo_project_id": 106697, "fo_project_title": "Flight Test of a Balloon-borne Aeroseismometer", "company": "Sandia National Laboratories", "fo_period": "2019\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "publication", "description": "JASA Express Letters 2022: infrasound direction of arrival from balloon; GRL 2023: Floatilla Venus seismometer concept; Nature Comms Earth & Env 2025: subsurface inversion from balloon data", "evidence": "Published papers (DOIs confirmed via web search)", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "future_mission_concept", "description": "Venus balloon seismology concept \u2014 technology candidate for future Venus atmospheric mission beyond VERITAS/DAVINCI+", "evidence": "GRL 2023 paper, JPL research page for Krishnamoorthy", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/sandia-balloon-aeroseismometer.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 28, "notes": "PI Bowman. Cross-institutional team (Sandia + JPL + SwRI). 5+ publications. Venus seismology is the long-term application." }, { "fo_project_id": 91620, "fo_project_title": "Precision Formation Flying Sensor Testing", "company": "University of Colorado Boulder", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "future_mission_concept", "description": "Janus sensor for starshade formation flying \u2014 starshade architecture being studied for Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO, Decadal Survey #1 flagship)", "evidence": "HWO website, NASA starshade technology development program, SPIE 2014 paper", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/cu-boulder-starshade.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 28, "notes": "PI Webster Cash. Inventor of starshade concept (Nature 2006). TRL 4\u21927. Longest potential time horizon in FO portfolio (25-30 years to HWO)." }, { "fo_project_id": 12257, "fo_project_title": "STACER Antenna Deployment in Microgravity", "company": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "dead_end", "description": "STACER validated at TRL 7 but TERSat (AFRL UNP-7) apparently never launched. Deployment mechanism tested successfully but downstream satellite stalled.", "evidence": "No launch record found via web search", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/mit-tropics-cubesat.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 28, "notes": "PI Kerri Cahoy \u2014 same PI as TROPICS [94156]. Two FO projects, very different outcomes: TROPICS \u2192 $30M+ EVM; STACER \u2192 satellite didn't fly." }, { "fo_project_id": 12182, "fo_project_title": "Telemetric Biological Imaging", "company": "University of Florida", "fo_period": "2011\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_program", "description": "Predecessor to FLEX imaging system. Ferl flew 11 orbital + 5 suborbital experiments. Ferl flew to space himself on Blue Origin NS-25 Aug 2024. NSS Space Pioneer Award 2025.", "evidence": "UF Space Plants Lab website, Alligator (UF newspaper) Aug 2024", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/uf-ferl-paul-space-plants.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 29, "notes": "PI Robert Ferl. Part of extensive UF Space Plants Lab arc. 12182 was early FO precursor to FLEX [106695]. Advanced From project 8148." }, { "fo_project_id": 106695, "fo_project_title": "Biological Imaging in Support of Suborbital Science (FLEX)", "company": "University of Florida", "fo_period": "2019\u20132025", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_program", "description": "FLEX imaging system with autofocus + modern resolution. Final flight Blue Origin P-15 Sep 2025. Platform accompanied Ferl on NS-25 crewed flight Aug 2024.", "evidence": "TechPort project record, UF press releases", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/uf-ferl-paul-space-plants.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 29, "notes": "PI Rob Ferl, co-I Anna-Lisa Paul. 2,863 views. TX mismatch flagged. Part of 25-year space plant biology program." }, { "fo_project_id": 106579, "fo_project_title": "Human Tended Space Biology: Enabling Suborbital Genomics and Gene Expression", "company": "University of Florida", "fo_period": "2018\u20132026", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_program", "description": "First human-tended whole-genome gene expression experiments on suborbital vehicle. Ferl flew NS-25 Aug 2024 under this project. Initial results show intense metabolic changes in early spaceflight moments.", "evidence": "TechPort project record, UF press releases, WUFT podcast Sep 2024", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/uf-ferl-paul-space-plants.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 29, "notes": "Active through Jun 2026. PI Rob Ferl, co-I Anna-Lisa Paul. NSS Space Pioneer Award 2025. Knowledge payload (TRL 6\u21926 by design)." }, { "fo_project_id": 12242, "fo_project_title": "Microgravity Effects of Nanoscale Mixing on Diffusion Limited Processes", "company": "University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras", "fo_period": "2012\u20132015", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_program", "description": "PI Cabrera Martinez \u2014 same PI as ammonia fuel cell [91638]. Advanced To outcome. Alternate Water Processor for ECLSS.", "evidence": "TechPort outcome record", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/upr-ammonia-fuel-cell.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 29, "notes": "2nd Cabrera FO project. ECLSS water recovery system with MABR + FOST + DAAFC." }, { "fo_project_id": 14155, "fo_project_title": "Microgravity Experiment on Accretion in Space Environments", "company": "University of Central Florida", "fo_period": "2014\u20132017", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "research_program", "description": "PI Josh Colwell, co-I Adrienne Dove. Same UCF regolith physics group as COLLIDE [91331], PRIME [12204], SPACE-2 [71940]. Advanced To outcome.", "evidence": "TechPort outcome record", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": null, "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 29, "notes": "Part of UCF Colwell regolith physics cluster (6+ FO projects)." }, { "fo_project_id": 89368, "fo_project_title": "A Novel Approach to Balloon Altitude Control for the Purpose of Stratospheric Balloon Trajectory Control", "company": "World View Enterprises Inc.", "fo_period": "2016\u20132018", "trl_fo": { "begin": 6, "end": 9 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "World View acquired by Ondas Holdings (NASDAQ: ONDS) on April 1, 2026. ~12.8M shares + ~$7.3M cash. Stratollite ISR platform integrated into Ondas multi-domain ISR architecture.", "evidence": "Ondas press releases March 23 and April 1, 2026; Investing.com, TipRanks, StockTitan reporting", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "Stratollite persistent stratospheric ISR platform. 140+ stratospheric flights. 16-day record endurance. Palantir AI-ISR collaboration announced March 2026.", "evidence": "worldview.space; Benzinga March 2026 Palantir collaboration reporting", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/world-view-enterprises.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 30, "notes": "6th FO-backed acquisition. Ondas had $10M prior investment. Stratollite used for Sandia aeroseismometer [106697] flights." }, { "fo_project_id": 94198, "fo_project_title": "Development and Flight-Testing of a High-Performance Electric-Pump Fed Launch Vehicle", "company": "Ventions LLC (now Astra Space Inc.)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "Astra Spacecraft Engines division: 110 satellite engine systems shipped by Jan 2026. Breakeven EBITDA 2025. $13M Q4 2025 contracts (36 additional systems for 2026). New rocket in development (~75% first-stage design), test flight planned 2026.", "evidence": "Astra BusinessWire press release Jan 20, 2026", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 13000000, "kb_page": "organizations/ventions-astra-space.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 30, "notes": "Previous linkage was incomplete \u2014 Astra's spacecraft engines business is the surviving product of FO-funded electric pump-fed propulsion work." }, { "fo_project_id": 94197, "fo_project_title": "Micro-Avionics Multi-Purpose Platform (MicroAMPP)", "company": "Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems (now Terran Orbital / Lockheed Martin)", "fo_period": "2017\u20132020", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 9 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Lockheed Martin completed acquisition of Terran Orbital on October 30, 2024 for approximately $450M enterprise value ($0.25/share cash + debt retirement). Terran Orbital remains commercial merchant supplier. Key programs: SDA Transport and Tracking Layer.", "evidence": "Lockheed Martin press releases Aug 15 and Oct 30, 2024", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 450000000, "kb_page": "organizations/tyvak-terran-orbital.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 30, "notes": "Enterprise value updated from $48.7M tracked contracts to $450M acquisition price. Previous linkage only tracked government contracts." }, { "fo_project_id": 12181, "fo_project_title": "Cryocooler Vibrational Characterization (VASIMR)", "company": "Ad Astra Rocket Company", "fo_period": "2011\u20132014", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "nasa_contract", "description": "SBIR Phase II: Improved thermo-mechanical design of VASIMR RF coupler", "award_id": "80NSSC23CA059", "dollar_amount_usd": 848800, "evidence": "USASpending", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "nasa_contract", "description": "SBIR Phase II: Improved design of VASIMR RF transmission line", "award_id": "80NSSC24CA167", "dollar_amount_usd": 850000, "evidence": "USASpending", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "nasa_contract", "description": "Phase II Sequential SBIR: Technology maturation of the VASIMR electric propulsion system", "award_id": "80NSSC25C0436", "dollar_amount_usd": 4000000, "evidence": "USASpending", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "strategic_alliance", "description": "Strategic alliance with SpaceNukes (Space Nuclear Power Corporation) for high-power Nuclear Electric Propulsion combining VASIMR + Kilopower reactor", "evidence": "PR Newswire press release, December 2024", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 15005800, "kb_page": "organizations/ad-astra-vasimr.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 31, "notes": "Major upgrade from Session 2: total NASA investment increased from $9.3M to $15.0M. Both 2022-2023 Phase I SBIRs converted to Phase II. SpaceNukes NEP alliance addresses VASIMR's fundamental power bottleneck." }, { "fo_project_id": 91700, "fo_project_title": "Iodine RF Ion Thruster Development Testing (BIT-3)", "company": "Busek Co., Inc.", "fo_period": "2013\u20132016 (canceled)", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 3 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "nasa_contract", "description": "Habitable Worlds Observatory system technology demonstrations and mission architecture studies (microthruster propulsion)", "award_id": "80GSFC26C0012", "dollar_amount_usd": 1780000, "evidence": "USASpending", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_contract", "description": "SOUL system for Active Debris Removal", "award_id": "FA864923P1091", "dollar_amount_usd": 1250000, "evidence": "USASpending", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_contract", "description": "MDA SHIELD initial order (multi-year vehicle 2025-2035)", "award_id": "HQ085926FF411", "dollar_amount_usd": 500, "evidence": "USASpending", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "mission_outcome", "description": "LunaH-Map BIT-3 propulsion failure: stuck valve prevented lunar flyby maneuver. First deep-space BIT-3 flight revealed valve reliability issue.", "evidence": "SpaceNews reporting", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 80000000, "kb_page": "organizations/busek-company.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 31, "notes": "Updated from $65M+ to $80M+ total tracked. New contracts: HWO microthruster ($1.78M), SOUL ADR ($1.25M), MDA SHIELD (initial order). LunaH-Map propulsion failure documented. Busek expanding from CubeSat EP to flagship telescope (HWO) and missile defense (SHIELD)." }, { "fo_project_id": 91329, "fo_project_title": "Test of Satellite Communications Systems on-board Suborbital Platforms", "company": "Solstar Space Company", "fo_period": "2013\u20132019", "trl_fo": { "begin": 5, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "orbital_deployment", "description": "Deke Space Communicator on Momentus Vigoride 7 / SpaceX Transporter-16 \u2014 first orbital demonstration of FO-derived WiFi technology", "launch_year": 2026, "evidence": "Momentus investor PR, Santa Fe New Mexican (Apr 2026)", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_partnership", "description": "$15M three-year reciprocal services agreement with Momentus (Oct 2025) for communications + logistics", "dollar_amount_usd": 15000000, "evidence": "Momentus investor PR (Oct 13, 2025)", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "Northrop Grumman selected Solstar for WiFi on Lunar Gateway HALO module \u2014 NOW PAUSED (Gateway cancelled Mar 2026)", "evidence": "SpaceNews article in TechPort library; NASA Gateway pause announcement Mar 24 2026", "confidence": "confirmed (awarded), paused (Gateway cancelled)" }, { "type": "dod_adoption", "description": "USAF/SpaceWERX SBIR ladder: CritDR Phase I ($50K) \u2192 continuous comms Phase II ($1.25M) \u2192 wideband Phase II ($1.25M) + rad-hard WiFi Phase I ($75K)", "dollar_amount_usd": 2650000, "evidence": "USASpending.gov (queried 2026-04-06)", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "nasa_follow_on", "description": "NASA SBIR Phase I: Lunar WiFi Access Point (LWIFI AP) \u2014 80NSSC25C0351 ($149K, Sep 2025). Pivoting from Gateway to lunar surface WiFi", "dollar_amount_usd": 149300, "evidence": "USASpending.gov", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 2970000, "kb_page": "organizations/solstar-space.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 32, "notes": "Major refresh. Vigoride 7 orbital demo confirmed Apr 1 2026. $15M Momentus deal (commercial, not counted in gov total). Gateway paused \u2014 HALO WiFi in limbo. DoD ($2.65M) is primary gov customer, not NASA ($274K). Lunar WiFi SBIR suggests pivot to surface base. 7-year FO-to-orbit gap (2019\u21922026)." }, { "fo_project_id": null, "fo_project_title": "Firefly Aerospace \u2014 Blue Ghost CLPS lander (FO technology delivery vehicle)", "company": "Firefly Aerospace Inc.", "fo_period": "N/A (host, not FO performer)", "trl_fo": null, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "Blue Ghost M1 (Mar 2, 2025) carried 4 FO-matured technologies to lunar surface: RadPC [91411], PlanetVac [89413/106599], LuGRE [106593], LMS [106681]. 14-day surface ops, 100% objectives met. First fully successful commercial Moon landing.", "mission": "Blue Ghost Mission 1 (CLPS CS-20)", "launch_year": 2025, "evidence": "NASA CLPS program; Firefly press releases; 2025 Collier Trophy; SpaceflightNow", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 432000000, "kb_page": "organizations/firefly-aerospace.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 33, "notes": "Firefly is the CLPS lander provider, not an FO technology developer. $432M+ NASA contracts across 10 awards. 5 Blue Ghost missions contracted (M1 completed, M2 late 2026, M3 2028, M4 2029, M5 TBD). $7.6M DoD (Hellbender + OTV nozzle). Won 2025 Collier Trophy. CLPS expansion to 21 landings (post-Gateway cancellation) strengthens Firefly's role as FO technology delivery vehicle." }, { "fo_project_id": 12180, "fo_project_title": "Validation of a Fine Water Mist Fire Extinguisher", "company": "ADA Technologies, Inc.", "fo_period": "2011\u20132014", "trl_fo": "4\u21927", "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "First 2 of 9 FWM PFEs launched to ISS on Orbital ATK OA-4 (Dec 6, 2015), replacing CO2 extinguishers. 10-year SBIR chain (2004\u20132014) + FO validation + ISS deployment in 1.5 years.", "mission": "International Space Station (OA-4 delivery)", "launch_year": 2015, "evidence": "Colorado School of Mines press release; Mines Magazine; USASpending NNJ16HD31P Phase III", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "program_transition", "description": "Two Phase III SBIR contracts for Orion spacecraft fire extinguisher adaptation: NNJ15HD46P ($120K, 2015) and NNJ16HD31P ($406.8K, 2016-2017). NTRS 20180005251 documents Orion PFE testing.", "program": "Orion MPCV", "year": 2016, "evidence": "USASpending contracts; NTRS report 20180005251", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 3400000, "kb_page": "organizations/ada-technologies.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 34, "notes": "Upgraded from 'suggestive NASA Spinoff' to 'confirmed ISS Mission Infusion'. ISS deployment was invisible in TechPort metadata \u2014 discovered via Colorado School of Mines sources and Phase III contracts. Patent US8746357B2. ADA's $39M+ DoD portfolio (batteries/thermal) is parallel, not caused by FO. 5+ publications (ICES, SUPDET, NTRS)." }, { "fo_project_id": 93937, "fo_project_title": "Effects of Microgravity on Intracranial Pressure", "company": "University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center", "fo_period": "2014\u20132015", "trl_fo": "6\u21927", "downstream": [ { "type": "research_publication", "description": "4+ peer-reviewed papers: Lawley et al. J Physiol 2017 (first direct ICP in 0g), Petersen et al. J Physiol 2019 (LBNP countermeasure), Lawley/Babu JAP 2020 (bedrest ocular changes), choroid LBNP study. NASA HRR task #1412.", "year": 2017, "evidence": "PubMed 28092926; DOI 10.1113/JP276557; TechPort library items (fileId 368291-368294)", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": null, "kb_page": "organizations/ut-southwestern-icp.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-06", "session": 34, "notes": "Foundational SANS physiology. PI Benjamin Levine recruited cancer patients with Ommaya reservoirs for direct ICP measurement in parabolic flight \u2014 only methodology possible. Key finding: ICP in 0g = supine 1g (not elevated). Led to LBNP 20 mmHg countermeasure. Terrestrial clinical potential for TBI. International collaboration (Copenhagen, Innsbruck, Dallas, Melbourne, Seattle). NSBRI funded." }, { "fo_project_id": 106684, "fo_project_title": "Vapor Compression Refrigeration System for Cold Food Storage on Spacecraft", "company": "Air Squared, Inc.", "fo_period": "2020-2021", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_portfolio", "description": "Air Squared's oil-free scroll compressor technology is the only moving component in MOXIE on Perseverance rover \u2014 produced oxygen on Mars for the first time (Apr 20, 2021). FO tested refrigeration scrolls; MOXIE used gas compression scrolls \u2014 same core technology, parallel product lines. 17 NASA contracts across Mars ISRU, lunar ISRU, cryogenics, spacesuits, and ISS food storage.", "dollar_amount_usd": 6730000, "evidence": "USASpending 17 records for Air Squared LLC; JPL MOXIE contract NNX15CP77C ($607K); MOXIE Science Advances paper 2022", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 6730000, "kb_page": "organizations/air-squared.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 36, "notes": "SBIR Portfolio Company archetype. FO project ($188K) is tiny slice of $6.73M+ NASA portfolio. Core scroll technology flew on Mars (MOXIE) and is being developed for lunar ISRU, spacesuits, and cryogenic propellant handling. FO did not cause MOXIE \u2014 parallel product lines from same technology platform. Whirlpool + Purdue partnership for ZVCR. ISS deployment not confirmed." }, { "fo_project_id": 14162, "fo_project_title": "Flyover Mapping and Modeling of Terrain Features", "organization": "Carnegie Mellon University", "pi": "William \"Red\" Whittaker", "linkage_type": "program_transition", "downstream_program": "NIAC", "downstream_project_id": 96188, "downstream_description": "Robotic Technologies Enabling the Exploration of Lunar Pits \u2014 first-ever NIAC Phase III award ($2M, 2019-2021). Extends FO terrain mapping to autonomous lunar pit exploration. Partners: NASA Ames + Astrobotic.", "dollar_amount": 2000000, "confidence": "confirmed", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 37, "notes": "FO terrain mapping directly fed NIAC Phase III (first-ever). PI Whittaker is CMU Robotics Institute legend; co-founded Astrobotic. Demonstrates FO\u2192NIAC transition pathway for academia." }, { "fo_project_id": 91422, "fo_project_title": "Guided Parafoil High Altitude Research", "company": "Airborne Systems North America", "fo_period": "2013–2016", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "Airborne Systems manufactures Orion CPAS (Capsule Parachute Assembly System) — 2 drogue + 3 main parachutes for crew recovery. CPAS deployed on Artemis I (Dec 2022) and Artemis II (Apr 2026). Company-level expertise transfer from FO high-altitude decelerator work.", "mission": "Artemis II (crewed lunar flyby)", "launch_year": 2026, "evidence": "Airborne Systems confirmed as CPAS manufacturer (Army.mil Yuma article, NASA sources). Contract 80LARC22CA008 ($13.57M). FO project description names Orion.", "confidence": "confirmed", "dollar_amount": "$13.57M (NASA LaRC Orion parachute contract)" } ], "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 41, "notes": "FO tested ram-air parafoils (JPADS) while CPAS uses ringsail mains — technology transfer is at company/expertise level, not direct hardware lineage. Airborne Systems is world's largest military parachute manufacturer." }, { "fo_project_id": 184139, "fo_project_title": "Real-Time Nutrient and Water Monitoring Systems in Space (FLEW.ID)", "company": "Impossible Sensing, LLC", "fo_period": "2025–2028", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_pipeline", "description": "FLEW.ID SBIR Phase III ($374.8K, 80NSSC25C0438, Jul 2025–Aug 2026) awarded concurrent with FO flight testing. Dual-track maturation for ISS plant growth monitoring deployment.", "dollar_amount_usd": 374800, "evidence": "USASpending award record", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_spinoff", "description": "DiSCO + HARPOON SBIR Phase II-E pivoted to deep-sea critical mineral detection. BOEM VIPER project ($1.84M). InVADER robot deployed to 1,087–3,111m depth in May 2023.", "dollar_amount_usd": 1840000, "evidence": "USASpending (140M0121C0003); TechPort project 125493, 125534 descriptions; Eos feature article", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_spinoff", "description": "PERISCOPE Phase II-E pivoted to oil & gas GHG monitoring — real-time oil/solvent recovery sensing. NASA Spinoff featured.", "evidence": "TechPort project 154446 description; NASA Spinoff article", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_product", "description": "Flow multi-phase flow meter — commercial product sold through Canadian subsidiary Impossible Sensing Energy (Calgary, AB). Veren (now Whitecap Resources) purchased 20 units; Tundra Oil & Gas placed orders. US Patent 12,523,592 granted Jan 13, 2026. Replaces $250K nuclear meters at 1/10th cost.", "dollar_amount_usd": null, "evidence": "NASA Spinoff (Dec 30, 2025); USPTO patent 12,523,592; Swanson Reed Missouri Patent of the Month (Feb 2026); isenergy.ca", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "heritage", "description": "PI Pablo Sobron is co-investigator on Perseverance SHERLOC instrument (LIBS/Raman on Mars since Feb 2021). Company-level spectroscopy expertise transfer.", "mission": "Mars 2020 Perseverance", "evidence": "SHERLOC co-I list; local media (theSTL.com); SETI Institute profile", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 8500000, "kb_page": "organizations/impossible-sensing.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 83, "notes": "16 TechPort projects total — largest single-company spectroscopy footprint. Four flagship products each followed Phase I→II→II-E commercial pivot pattern. $8.5M total across 17 USASpending awards. Session 83: Flow product commercially deployed — Canadian subsidiary, paying customers (Veren 20 units, Tundra O&G), US patent granted Jan 2026." }, { "fo_project_id": 184143, "fo_project_title": "Microgravity-Enhanced Annealing of MoS2 for Radiation-Hardened Electronics", "company": "GOEPPERT, LLC", "fo_period": "2025–2028", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_pipeline", "description": "MoS₂ SBIR Phase III ($994K, 80NSSC24CA003, Oct 2023–Oct 2024) — InSPA-aligned in-space production of MoS₂ for silicon BEOL integration. Awarded before Phase II (fast-tracked).", "dollar_amount_usd": 994000, "evidence": "USASpending award record", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "dod_commercial", "description": "Army SBIR Phase I for aerosolized fentanyl electrochemical nanosensor ($209.6K, W911NF26PA001, Jan 2026).", "dollar_amount_usd": 209600, "evidence": "USASpending award record", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "sbir_pipeline", "description": "Two new FY25 Phase I awards: SOLARIS ceramic solar sail ($174.5K) + lithium niobate wafer fabrication for InSPA ($174.5K).", "dollar_amount_usd": 349000, "evidence": "USASpending award records", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 4100000, "kb_page": "organizations/goeppert-mos2.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 42, "notes": "Multi-technology research lab: nanopores + MoS₂ + nanocomposites + fentanyl + solar sails + crystal growth. InSPA/CHIPS Act alignment. Listed on Factories in Space. Vision: Earth-space semiconductor foundry." }, { "fo_project_id": 184142, "fo_project_title": "Ultra-Fast Ultrasonic Clothes Washer/Dryer for Moon, Mars and ISS", "company": "Ultrasonic Technology Solutions, LLC", "fo_period": "2025–2028", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_pipeline", "description": "Space washer/dryer SBIR Phase III ($300K, 80NSSC25C0446, Sep 2025–Sep 2026) awarded concurrent with FO start. Dual-track maturation.", "dollar_amount_usd": 300000, "evidence": "USASpending award record", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "sbir_pipeline", "description": "Parallel waste water recovery line: SBIR Phase I→II→II-E ($1.3M total). Demonstrated >90% water recovery from human solid waste.", "dollar_amount_usd": 1305000, "evidence": "USASpending + TechPort projects 102007, 103135, 154778", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_spinoff", "description": "ORNL spinout with 5 active industry pilot demonstrations; fabric refresher product launch planned 2026; combo washer/dryer mid-2027. 5× energy efficiency over conventional heat-based drying.", "evidence": "DOE Technology Transitions article; Venture Nashville article; company website", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 3000000, "kb_page": "organizations/ultrasonic-tech-solutions.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 42, "notes": "ORNL spinout, ~8 employees. All 6 USASpending awards are NASA — unusual for dual-use tech. DOE involvement through non-contract mechanisms (Energy I-Corps, BTO, ARPA-E). ORNL FLC Technology Transfer Award 2020. Patent PCT/US16/30885." }, { "fo_project_id": 155249, "fo_project_title": "Neuromorphic Computing for Radiation-Hard AI", "company": "Mentium Technologies, Inc.", "fo_period": "2023–2026", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_pipeline", "description": "9-year NASA SBIR arc: Phase I [93616] (2017, $149K) → Phase II [95729] (2018–2022, $898K) → FO [155249] (2023–2026) → Phase III ($2.5M, Feb 2026, 'Enhancing and productizing the DVMR rad-hard digital AI coprocessor')", "dollar_amount_usd": 9670000, "evidence": "USASpending + TechPort records across 6 NASA awards", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "private_investment", "description": "$1.05M from 11 investors (Alumni Ventures, Silicon Catalyst Ventures, Terra.VC)", "dollar_amount_usd": 1050000, "evidence": "Company website / Crunchbase", "confidence": "suggestive" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 10720000, "kb_page": "organizations/mentium-technologies.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 43, "notes": "UCSB spinout. Phase III 'productizing' the DVMR coprocessor is a clear commercialization signal. Berkeley BASE heavy ion radiation testing May 2025. No DoD contracts despite rad-hard AI applications." }, { "fo_project_id": 184145, "fo_project_title": "Rego-LIFT Modular Vertical Conveyor", "company": "AeroFly LLC", "fo_period": "2025–2027", "trl_fo": { "begin": 0, "end": 0 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "sbir_pipeline", "description": "SBIR Phase I ($149.5K, 2024) → Phase II ($898.9K, 2025) + parallel Phase I excavation ($149.8K, 2025). TechLeap Prize winner.", "dollar_amount_usd": 1200000, "evidence": "USASpending award records", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 1200000, "kb_page": "organizations/aerofly-llc.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 43, "notes": "SDSU spinout (Brookings, SD). PI Todd Letcher. RASC-AL 1st (2023), Break the Ice (2021-2022). Also co-I on EPSCoR GRCop-42 DED project [156776]." }, { "fo_project_id": 184151, "fo_project_title": "Electron Beam Dust Mitigation (EBDM)", "company": "Space Dust R&T, LLC", "fo_period": "2025–2028", "trl_fo": { "begin": 0, "end": 0 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "mission_infusion", "description": "PI Xu Wang selected for Artemis IV DUSTER instrument (dust measurement on crewed lunar surface). Same PI on both dust mitigation (EBDM/FO) and dust measurement (DUSTER). Deputy PI Mihaly Horanyi.", "mission": "Artemis IV", "evidence": "TechPort project records; NASA Artemis IV payload selection", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "multi_program", "description": "6 TechPort projects across 4 programs (FO, PICASSO, DALI, STRG). Wang 4, Horanyi 4, overlap on 2.", "evidence": "TechPort portfolio search", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/space-dust-rnt.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 43, "notes": "CU Boulder / LASP spinout. All funding flows through CU Boulder — $0 direct to company. 92% dust cleaning efficacy. 4+ publications. Artemis IV DUSTER is the crown jewel — puts PI Wang on crewed lunar mission." }, { "fo_project_id": 184149, "fo_project_title": "IMPRESS: Iterative Mars Penetrator for Subsurface Science", "company": "Guinn Partners", "fo_period": "2025–2027", "trl_fo": { "begin": 2, "end": 6 }, "downstream": [], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/guinn-partners-impress.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 74, "notes": "40+ person Austin product eng firm (ex-DJI/3D Robotics CEO). ALFA Mars nonprofit connection. $3K/probe Mars penetrator swarms. TechLeap Prize winner. No prior NASA. Too early for outcomes." }, { "fo_project_id": 184150, "fo_project_title": "Cellular Experiment Laboratory System (CELS)", "company": "Helogen Corporation", "fo_period": "2025–2027", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "commercial_partnership", "description": "Starlab Space/Voyager Technologies partnership — HEL-IOS integration into post-ISS commercial station (announced Feb 2026)", "evidence": "Voyager Technologies press release Feb 2026", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "acquisition", "description": "Acquired Vellon Space Private Limited (Bengaluru, India) — unmanned space lab and microgravity research (Apr 2025)", "evidence": "GlobeNewsWire Apr 30, 2025", "confidence": "confirmed" }, { "type": "commercial_partnership", "description": "AgResearch (NZ Crown Research Institute) partnership for bacterial nanocellulose manufacturing in space (Apr 2025)", "evidence": "GlobeNewsWire Apr 23, 2025", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/helogen-cels.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 74, "notes": "Most advanced TechLeap winner. Flight heritage from 2023. First autonomous genomic sequencing in orbit. Formerly Odyssey SpaceWorks. $2.78M raised (AUM Ventures, Aurelia Foundry, One Way Ventures). 3+ scheduled missions. Dollar amounts for partnerships not public." }, { "fo_project_id": 184153, "fo_project_title": "MARS-C: Mars Atmospheric Reactor for Synthesis of Consumables", "company": "University of Texas at San Antonio + SwRI", "fo_period": "2025–2027", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 5 }, "downstream": [], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 0, "kb_page": "organizations/utsa-mars-c.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 74, "notes": "PI Sankarasubramanian (44 publications incl Nature Energy/PNAS, 7+6 patents, NAI Senior Member). SwRI partnership. Patent-pending Mars electrolyzer. Multi-agency funding (NASA, DARPA, DOE, ARPA-E). Too early for outcomes." }, { "fo_project_id": 184152, "fo_project_title": "High-Cadence Microgravity Silicon Semiconductor Crystal Manufacturing", "company": "SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI)", "fo_period": "2025–2027", "trl_fo": { "begin": 3, "end": 8 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "flight_provider", "description": "Momentus Space Vigoride 8 provides orbital bus for COSMIC payload. $5.15M NASA Armstrong contract (80AFRC25FA053) for integration and flight services. NET 2027.", "dollar_amount_usd": 5150000, "evidence": "USASpending 80AFRC25FA053; SpaceNews Oct 2025; Momentus press releases", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 5150000, "kb_page": "organizations/momentus-space.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 89, "notes": "Momentus is the flight provider, not the technology developer. SpaceWorks/Astral Materials develop the crystal furnace + RED reentry capsule. See spaceworks-tva.md for SpaceWorks lineage." }, { "fo_project_id": 184154, "fo_project_title": "Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine Satellite Propulsion with Green Propellants", "company": "Juno Propulsion Inc.", "fo_period": "2025–2027", "trl_fo": { "begin": 4, "end": 7 }, "downstream": [ { "type": "flight_provider", "description": "Momentus Space Vigoride 8 provides orbital bus for JUNO RDRE first-in-space test. $2.09M NASA Armstrong contract (80AFRC25FA063) for integration and flight services. NET 2027.", "dollar_amount_usd": 2090000, "evidence": "USASpending 80AFRC25FA063; SpaceNews Oct 2025; Momentus press releases", "confidence": "confirmed" } ], "total_downstream_dollars_usd": 2090000, "kb_page": "organizations/momentus-space.md", "investigated_date": "2026-04-07", "session": 89, "notes": "First orbital test of RDRE on commercial platform. Juno Propulsion (Federal Way, WA) developing green-propellant RDRE with N2O/ethane. PI: Alexis Harroun." } ]