NASA SBIR 2022-I Solicitation

Proposal Summary

Proposal Information

Proposal Number:
22-1- Z8.09-2420
Subtopic Title:
Small Spacecraft Transfer Stage Development
Proposal Title:
Solar Electric Propulsion Transfer Ring (SEPTR)

Small Business Concern

   
Firm:
          
farSight Technologies, LLC
          
   
Address:
          
2600 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 300, League City, TX 77573
          
   
Phone:
          
(281) 978-2222                                                                                                                                                                                
          

Principal Investigator:

   
Name:
          
Jeff Hopkins
          
   
E-mail:
          
jhopkins@farsight.us
          
   
Address:
          
2600 South Shore Blvd, Ste 300, TX 77573 - 2944
          
   
Phone:
          
(412) 414-3453                                                                                                                                                                                
          

Business Official:

   
Name:
          
Mr. Glenn Beach
          
   
E-mail:
          
gbeach@farsight.us
          
   
Address:
          
2600 South Shore Blvd, Ste 300, TX 77573 - 2944
          
   
Phone:
          
(410) 212-6583                                                                                                                                                                                
          

Summary Details:

   
Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :                                                                                                                                                          
Begin: 3
End: 5
          
          
     
Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words):

 

farSight Technologies proposes a Solar Electric Propulsion Transfer Ring (SEPTR) to fill the technology
gaps identified on several NASA programs: The Flight Opportunities Program, The Small Spacecraft
Technology (SST) and The Launch Services Program. These programs have all identified the need for
lunar/cislunar transfer capabilities, novel propulsion systems (e.g. Dual Mode) and to serve as a
precursor mission for gateway future planetary exploration. SEPTR is a small spacecraft boost and
support stage that is built into the payload mounting ring for venture class launch vehicles. It will
provide Direct-to-Earth tethered communication and basic PNT utilizing space tested avionics, solar
panels, batteries, sun sensors and star trackers. SEPTR leverages high I SP/low thrust electric propulsion
to open access to a wide range of orbits to smaller space craft that they would not be able to achieve on
their own. It can be used not only as a 3rd stage booster but also configured to provide additional
support including power, multi-mode propulsion, communications and station keeping for as long as the
spacecraft needs or desires. SEPTR offers a short-term solution to the problem of small spacecraft
reaching higher altitude orbits and opens access to missions in lunar and cislunar space for this
segment.
 

          
          
     
Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

 

NASA applications: 1) Moon to Mars, 2) Artemis, 3) Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) – a
program the PI supported and 4) NASA Flight opportunities. To support these missions, farSight
envisions a model that will open up the TLI market to small entrants by offering pre-staged “Pony
Express services” that include propulsion and mission services delivered on the NASA-matured Venture
Class LEO launch capability provided by Relativity Space, Firefly Space Systems, and Virgin Orbit;
substantially reducing costs for small spacecraft.
 

 

          
          
     
Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

Non-NASA applications: 1) Shipboard ADNS DTN enabled router for Enterprise level Naval Networks and unmanned C2, 2) United Launch Alliance with it’s cislunar economy initiatives, 3) Astrobotics; projected to be the first commercial company to land on the moon and 4) Local and State level Disaster Recovery Agencies where ground communications infrastructure is space or Non-existent. 

          
          
     
Duration:     6
          
          

Form Generated on 05/25/2022 15:38:36