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Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer

Low-Cost Small Payload Return to Enable High Frequency ISS Research, Phase I

Completed Technology Project

Project Introduction

Terminal Velocity Aerospace, LLC (TVA) proposes to improve utilization of the International Space Station (ISS) by providing a system for on-demand return of experiment samples to Earth. TVA is presently developing a small reentry device (RED) capable of returning small payloads from space, with initial prototype development funded by a separate contract. The device, named RED-4U, is sized to accommodate a payload mass and volume equivalent to four CubeSats, commonly referred to as units or "U." The payload accommodations and concept of operations for RED-4U are currently generically defined, but are readily suitable to the ISS small payload return mission. In the proposed Phase I R&D effort, TVA proposes to (1) design, fabricate, and demonstrate RED-4U payload accommodations specifically for high-frequency sample return from ISS; and (2) detail the concept of operations for RED-4U use on ISS. More »

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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners

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Project Duration

Technology Maturity (TRL)

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Target Destination

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