Phase 1 of this study intends to leverage advances in laser optical trapping technology in order to study the feasibility of a system that could remotely capture a quantity of particulates over a period of time. These particulates would be delivered to instruments on a spacecraft or lander for continual analysis. Therefore, instead of recording data from one pass of an orbiter or being at the mercy of a solid sample inlet, scientists could choose their targets over a wider range, bringing significantly more value to planetary missions.
More »Our tractor beam research will focus on understanding and optimizing its ability to gently capture difficult targets such as these where other technologies currently available may prove to damaging to the targets. Adding a tractor beam system that could continuously, carefully, and remotely capture particles over a long distance could enhance the science goals and reduce the risk (driving down costs), which would therefore increase the value of all of these missions.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) | Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
American University | Supporting Organization | Academia | Washington, District of Columbia |
SRI International | Supporting Organization | Industry | Menlo Park, California |
This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.