Surface Systems 

Overview

Human Factors Modeling/Simulation 

Using cutting-edge augmented reality/virtual reality tools, Marshall engineers model exploration system designs for human factors constraints, identifying potential operational issues before the design is finalized 

Simulated environments allow for detailed concept of operations development in parallel with systems engineering design  

Hardware and Software In-the-Loop Testing Capability 

State-of-the-art facilities for developing, testing, and verifying flight software 

Real-time hardware-in-the-loop capabilities enable spacecraft integrated software and avionics hardware systems to be modeled, simulated, and tested early, before finalizing designs 

Scientific Instrument Development Capability 

Five decades of expertise in instrument design, development, and testing across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from the Apollo Telescope Mount to James Webb and Chandra to IXPE 

World-class grazing incidence optics manufacturing facility, unique in the nation, for high-energy astro-physics observations 

Lunar Surface Environments and Operations 

Simulated lunar terrain field enables high-fidelity testing of automated descent and landing technologies, as well as surface operations of rovers, sample return spacecraft, and more 

World-class simulant regolith allows for the design of robust systems that will function under the unique characteristics of lunar dust/soil composition  

Exploration of processes for and properties of construction materials via 3D printing made from in-situ resources 

Space Environmental Effects Testing 

Test capabilities to characterize the effects of the space environment on materials and systems, from low Earth orbit to deep space — simulated elements include charged particle radiation, plasma, high vacuum, solar ultraviolet (VUV, NUV), atomic oxygen, impact, thermal extremes, Lunar/Martian surface environments (including regolith simulants), all either individually or in combination 

Space Systems Integration & Test Capabilities 

Unique multipurpose facilities that enable the design and development of space systems from proof-of-concept studies; prototype and development hardware checkout; integration and assembly of flight systems; and qualification and acceptance testing of components, subsystems, and integrated systems through real-time operations of on-orbit payloads 

Advanced Manufacturing 

Unique expertise in applying state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing methods to support development and production of advanced Moon/Mars Surface Technology Systems  

Leading efforts to demonstrate 3D printing technology in orbit and on planetary surfaces 

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) Hardware Development and Test Capability 

Providing complete end-to-end GN&C development and test for launch vehicles and/or spacecraft systems — from initial concept through detailed mission analysis and design, hardware development and test, verification and validation, and mission operations 

World-class developer of Earth-to-orbit and in-space stages for GN&C. Marshall is a key developer of in-space transportation, spacecraft control, automated rendezvous and capture techniques, and testing  

Do Business with Us

MSFC Partnerships Office
Nick Case
nicholas.l.case@nasa.gov
256.544.8789