SBIR-STTR Award

Adaptable Multi-Segment Altitude Control (AM-SAC) Balloon for Planetary Exploration
Award last edited on: 3/13/2023

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NASA : GSFC
Total Award Amount
$872,120
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
S3.06
Principal Investigator
Brian Aiken

Company Information

Thin Red Line USA (AKA: MKF Interests LLC)

1322 Space Park Drive Suite B150
Houston, TX 77058
   (281) 910-5257
   N/A
   www.thin-red-line.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 36
County: Harris

Phase I

Contract Number: NNX16CP44P
Start Date: 6/10/2016    Completed: 12/9/2016
Phase I year
2016
Phase I Amount
$122,120
Thin Red Line USA (TRL-USA) proposes a unique, multi-segment balloon with low-power, rapid mobility altitude control cycling capability that is applicable to both Venus and Titan atmospheric exploration missions as well as other planetary bodies. The innovation creates a single architecture that allows reliable, low power, virtually unlimited altitude cycling capability; overcoming the pitfalls of all other known options for lighter-than-atmosphere exploration at both Venus and Titan. The Phase I effort lays a strong foundation for a Phase II effort that will include the construction and demonstration of an at-scale system using materials suitable for a Venus or Titan mission. The proposed innovation and following Phase II work can, in just 2 years, enable a viable Venus or Titan exploration mission with a low risk LTA system.

Potential NASA Commercial Applications:
(Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The Thin Red Line USA proposed innovation enables NASA to conduct long duration atmospheric observations at both Venus and Titan with payloads >100kg with a new, low power, highly reliable, long life, lighter-than-atmosphere architecture that can be customized for multiple planetary missions with extensive non-recurring-engineering. The proposed balloon technology has immediate application in the exploration of atmospheric planets and moons. This technology improves upon the platform objectives of the Venus Climate Mission (VCM), one of five flagship missions called for by the National Research Council 2013 Decadal Survey. The VCM mission includes a gondola/balloon system with a 21 day life at a 55.5km altitude in 2021. Its objectives are to characterize the greenhouse atmosphere of Venus, its origin and evidence of climate change. This mission can be significantly enhanced by staying aloft for five or more years and navigate the planet utilizing altitude cycling. To meet a 2021 launch, preliminary design and technology completion for the VCM must occur in 2017-18 and can incorporate proposed innovation. The technology could also play a vital role in the Titan Saturn Mission which is expected to have a balloon-navigated sensor platform that operates in conjunction with an orbiter and lake-lander.

Potential NON-NASA Commercial Applications:
(Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The Thin Red Line USA (TRL-USA) proposed innovation advances a technology with significant terrestrial applications. The robust TRL-USA multi-segment altitude control balloon can provide rapid mobility altitude cycling capability, long life, and recoverability to many systems currently using short-lived, difficult to recover balloons. These markets include weather balloons, remote sensing, and remote communication systems for commercial, civil, and military use, with flights numbering in the 10s of thousands per year. The TRL-USA balloon will improve capability, mission assurance, and reduce costs; making it a highly competitive option for these industries.

Technology Taxonomy Mapping:
(NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program to disseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over 100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.) Airship/Lighter-than-Air Craft

Phase II

Contract Number: 16-2 S3.06-7551
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase II year
2017
Phase II Amount
$750,000
Thin Red Line USA (TRL-USA) proposes a unique, multi-segment balloon with low-power, rapid mobility altitude control cycling capability that is applicable to both Venus and Titan atmospheric exploration missions as well as other planetary bodies. The innovation creates a single architecture that allows reliable, low power, virtually unlimited altitude cycling capability; overcoming the pitfalls of all other known options for lighter-than-atmosphere exploration at both Venus and Titan. The Phase I effort was recently completed with a successful flight demo of a prototype. The Phase II effort will include the construction and demonstration of an at-scale system using materials suitable for a Venus or Titan mission. The proposed innovation and Phase II work can, in just 2 years, enable a viable Venus or Titan exploration mission with a low risk lighter than air system.