NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts
Laser-Based Optical Trap for Remote Sampling of Interplanetary and Atmospheric Particulate Matter
Project Introduction
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 »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
Project Library
Share this Project
Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts
Project Management
Program Director:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Paul Stysley
Project Duration
Start: Sep 2011
End: Sep 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 1 |
| Current: | 1 |
| Estimated End: | 2 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.3 In-Situ Instruments and Sensors
Other / Cross-cutting:
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.