NSTA

The National Space Technology Applications Office (NSTA) collaborates with a diverse range of non-NASA entities through unclassified, reimbursable partnerships. NSTA's partnerships encompass academic institutions, industrial firms, government agencies, and entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on leveraging NASA and JPL's technological advancements for space exploration.

NSTA has been instrumental in the development and implementation of various projects aligning with JPL's strategic direction and long-term vision. An example of NSTA's successes is the development of the High Operating Temperature Barrier Infrared Detectors (HOT BIRD) at JPL. This breakthrough infrared detector technology operates at higher temperatures than previous technologies, extending spectral coverage across mid-wavelength infrared, short-wavelength infrared, and near infrared with high quantum efficiency. It plays a crucial role in projects like the Cubesat Infrared Sounder (CIRAS) and the Hyperspectral Thermal Imager (HyTI) 6U CubeSat, part of NASA’s In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies program. This technology represents a significant step in infrared sensor technology, creating devices that can detect various phenomena, useful in applications such as fire detection, atmospheric sounding, and Earth and planetary imaging.

We invite prospective reimbursable partners and JPL Principal Investigators to engage with NSTA program managers, opening a dialogue on potential collaborations that can shape the future of space exploration and technological breakthroughs.