Institute for Space Development Research | Space Technology, Engineering, and Applications

A key interest area of the Institute for Space Development Research is in the development of technology for basic space infrastructure, space commerce, and operations. We are very interested in the way that new and existing technologies can be used to put in place a basic space infrastructure that can be leveraged by research communities and private industry. Developing a significant capacity for applied engineering and technology development is a key long-term goal of our organization.

Accomplishing the goal of resourcing space will require the development of many new technologies and the advancement of existing technologies. Many of these capabilities have significant application to non-space needs here on Earth. Investment in space technology will help us address many challenges here on Earth as well and give us more choices when facing challenges at home.

Enabling Technologies

Technology concepts and engineering applications that enable space-based operations and serve to support the efforts of the emerging space economy that we are interested in include:

Resource Acquisition & Utilization

Concepts relating to the acquisition and utilization of space resources. Significant space activity will require the early development of systems that can process basic resources into useful products for manufacturing, fuels, energy, and life support systems.

New technology concepts for resource exploration systems and mining including remote sensing and exploration as well as physical technology to acquire and transport resources. Many resources won't be processed and used where they are found and will need to be transported to the location where they are needed. Energy sourcing, fuel access, and resource transport are key concerns for long term space operations.

Common-Platform Spacecraft Systems

Spacecraft systems that are maximally efficient and common-platform. Simplicity, commonality, and interchangeability of parts and systems will be a critical consideration as differing systems and capabilities are developed. Using highly compatible and common systems and parts will ultimately reduce cost, design time, risk, accidents, and provide better opportunity for on-the-spot innovation (or repairs) by humans in space. Proprietary systems often stifle innovation on Earth and they probably will in space too.

Surface Operations & Habitation

Technology for structures, operations, exploration, and habitation on the Moon and other near-Earth bodies.

Applied Plasma Engineering

Gas / atmospheric processing and plasma propulsion systems are a key technology interest at The Institute for Space Development Research. Plasma technology will find a huge array of applications in space including spacecraft propulsion systems, surface treatments, and for the processing and compositional alteration of gases and volatiles.

Tether & Attachment

Strong tether and attachment technology for exploration, science, transport, and anchoring is a potentially useful technology concept that The Institute for Space Development Research is exploring.

Please Consider Contributing to the Institute for Space Development Research