Innovative projects are sought in the areas of basic research, fundamental research, applied research, development and systems and other concept formulation studies. Projects combining both science and technology are encouraged.
The JPL Director created the Research and Technology Development (R&TD) program for the purpose of enhancing JPL's ability to address future missions and objectives and to propel JPL into new research leadership roles. The program will support research in areas consistent with JPL's strategic direction and long-term vision.
","parentProgram":{"ableToSelect":false,"acronym":"IRAD","isActive":true,"programId":87,"responsibleMd":{"canUserEdit":false,"locationEdit":false,"organizationRolePretty":"","organizationTypePretty":""},"title":"Center Independent Research & Development","manageGaps":false,"acronymOrTitle":"IRAD"},"parentProgramId":87,"programId":154,"responsibleMd":{"organizationId":4910,"organizationName":"Mission Support Directorate","acronym":"MSD","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","canUserEdit":false,"locationEdit":false,"organizationRolePretty":"","organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdOffice":4910,"title":"Center Independent Research & Development: JPL IRAD","manageGaps":false,"acronymOrTitle":"JPL IRAD"},"acronym":"MSTT","description":"Establish a testbed and develop robotic technology to demonstrate capability to retrieve a surface cache of Mars samples and deliver that cache to a Mars Ascent Vehicle.
The task will assess the requirements for a testbed to study the retrieval of a Mars sample cache from the Martian surface, or from a Mars caching rover, and subsequent delivery of that cache to the upper stage of a Mars Ascent Vehicle for launch into Mars orbit. The testbed will be implemented and used to develop and demonstrate prototype architectures and technologies for cache retrieval and transfer.
","benefits":"Results of this effort will be fed back to the Mars 2020 mission to inform their design of the sample caching system, including cache design and location of the sample caching system on rover.
Results of this effort will demonstrate capabilities needed for a potential future Sample Retrieval Lander mission.
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