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122 MEMS and Microstructures in Aerospace Applications

involved in long-baseline, space-based interferometry missions such as in the
Terrestrial Planet Finder mission aimed at detecting planets orbiting distant stars.
Components of the FMMR device have been successfully flown on low-altitude
rockets. The Propulsion Directorate at the Edwards Air Force Base in California
packaged the FMMR as part of the Traveler I suborbital experimental payload for
launch on a suborbital vehicle during the fall of 2003. Traveler I is a joint mission
between the directorates’ Aerophysics Branch, Microcosm Inc. of El Segundo,
California, and the University of Southern California’s microsatellite program.

6.3 TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE

The above examples represent a very small subset of the broad spectrum of MNT-
based systems that have potential space applications. In order to advance the
maturity of a larger number of new technologies for space applications, a coherent
strategy has to be put in place for creating a smoothly functioning ‘‘technology
development pipeline.’’ For each of these technologies, the two most important
issues to be addressed are: bridging the mid-TRL gap and the acquisition of space
heritage cheaply and rapidly. In the discussion below, novel solutions are proposed
for each of these issues.

6.3.1 TECHNOLOGY MATURATION TEAM APPROACH

The primary challenge facing MNT developers and sponsors seeking to increase the
efficiency of the technology ‘‘harvesting’’ process is how to bring together the
various communities involved in space technology development in order to create a
continuous technology development pipeline. A possible solution suggested by
4
George and Powers lies in the creation of a ‘‘TRL maturation team’’ (TMT),
composed of representatives from the high and low TRL communities. They
proposed that such a team should be formed at the early stages of low TRL
development, essentially immediately after a new concept has been selected for
funding. The importance of creating the TMTs after funding decisions for low TRL
concepts have been made was to avoid coloring the initial technology selection
process in any way with high TRL pragmatism.
During the low TRL development phase, the high TRL team members essen-
tially have an advisory role, guiding the inventor away from technological dead
ends that could stop the technology from transitioning to the ultimate system level
aerospace application. An important consideration is that design changes are far
cheaper and more cost-effective at low TRL than after the technology has matured
in a direction that is not well aligned with the end application. Also, during this
phase, the high TRL members become intimately acquainted with the emerging
technology and its various nuances, so that they can anticipate many challenges
they have to face during the ultimate system development. The TMT’s role be-
comes increasingly important once the proof-of-concept for the technology has
been successfully demonstrated. A crucial juncture in the development cycle is of
course, the mid TRL development — the point in time and funding at which the

© 2006 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC