Aircraft Albedo Pod (ALPO)

This project seeks to exploit that technology in order to shift the aircraft integration paradigm away from traditional bolting and riveting methods that typically require significant structural modifications to an aircraft. The objective of the project is to develop an airborne science instrument pod utilizing an electrically de-bondable integration concept (ElectRelease™) that minimizes structural impacts on the host aircraft. ElectRelease™ epoxy has a unique property that allows it to release its bond between two conductive surfaces with the application of electrical current. The paradigm shift could open up new flight opportunities for NASA science with aircraft platform providers that, in the past, may have been reluctant to undertake the requisite structural modification.

The project accomplished improved installation procedure, testing jigs and flight hardware, developed Workmanship Qualification Plan, and set-up the fixture for thermal vacuum testing. Lab testing was conducted throughout the course of the entire project to further understand and define bonding characterization for the Workmanship Qualification Plan.

The purpose of the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program is to support new technology development and to address scientific challenges.  Each year, Principal Investigators (PIs) submit IRAD proposals and compete for funding for their development projects.  Goddard’s IRAD program supports eight Lines of Business: Astrophysics; Communications and Navigation; Cross-Cutting Technology and Capabilities; Earth Science; Heliophysics; Planetary Science; Science Small Satellites Technology; and Suborbital Platforms and Range Services.

Task progress is evaluated twice a year at the Mid-term IRAD review and the end of the year. When the funding period has ended, the PIs compete again for IRAD funding or seek new sources of development and research funding or agree to external partnerships and collaborations.  In some cases, when the development work has reached the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level, the product is integrated into an actual NASA mission or used to support other government agencies. The technology may also be licensed out to the industry.

The completion of a project does not necessarily indicate that the development work has stopped.  The work could potentially continue in the future as a follow-on IRAD; or used in collaboration or partnership with Academia, Industry and other Government Agencies.

If you are interested in partnering with NASA, see the TechPort Partnerships documentation available on the TechPort Help tab. http://techport.nasa.gov/help