Exo-Atmospheric Technologies LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N202-129
Exo-Atmospheric Technologies LLC — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from Department of Defense in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $235,716. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Topic code N202-129 links this award to a solicitation family — search the same topic stem for incumbents and recompete timing.
- Amount
- $235,716
- Agency
- Department of Defense · Navy
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- N202-129
- Solicitation
- 20.2
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- WI
- Period
- 2020-10-13 → 2022-02-02
Description
Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) re-entry vehicles (RV), with carbon-carbon nosetips undergo significant aerothermal ablation during atmospheric re-entry. Diagnostics are needed to measure recession rates and shape change to validate aerodynamic performance. Numerous approaches have been utilized to instrument nosetips but almost all utilize intrusive, post-machining operations that compromise the structural integrity of the nosetip. Exo-Atmospheric Technologies will develop a new ultrasonic recession gauge that utilizes a phased array sensor to provide measurements of recession rate and nosetip shape. The phased array will be operated with a custom avionics package built specifically to integrate with US Navy aeroshell designs and legacy telemetry systems. In Phase I the novel phased array sensor and backup single element ultrasonic sensing technology will be developed, integrated with the planned avionics, and validated through a series of bench-top tests including oxy-acetylene torch tests, furnace calibration tests, plasma-arc jet, and laser ablation tests.