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The tank for NASA’s two-stage cooling tests is lowered into a vacuum chamber in Test Stand 300 at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, successfully fired up a rotating detonation thrust chamber assembly in early December. The full-scale engine combustor fired for just over 340 seconds, allowing teams to successfully test the initial thrust chamber assembly configuration for the first time as part of the Integrated Rotating Detonation Engine System (InRoDES) project.
The Space Storm Solar Sail Sentential (S5) solar sail membrane flight unit has been completed. This is the largest solar sail ever manufactured. S5 is planning to launch as a secondary payload on the NOAA SOLAR-A mission in 2029. When fully deployed, the total sail membrane area is 1,643 m².

Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM)

NASA’s Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM) bridges the gap between: need and means; scientific and engineering challenges and the technological innovations needed to overcome them; early proof-of-concept tests; and the final infusion of cost-effective, revolutionary new technologies into NASA, government and commercial space missions.

Learn More about Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM)

TDM Projects

Chosen technologies will be thoroughly ground- and flight-tested in relevant operating environments reducing risks to future flight missions, gaining operational heritage and continuing NASA’s long history as a technological leader. These newly proven technologies will enable future NASA missions to pursue bolder goals; make human missions safer and more rewarding; and enable new expansion of space industry in the government and commercial sectors.

An illustration of a deep space transport vehicle with the moon in the background.

Cryogenic Fluid Management

The Cryogenic Fluid Management Portfolio Project is chartered to lead and manage cryogenic fluid research and technology development across NASA.  

SEP Illustration showing the solar electric propulsion in space with two thrusters.

Solar Electric Propulsion

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) project will enable government and commercial customers to extend the length and capabilities of ambitious new exploration and science missions.

Nuclear thermal propulsion

Space Nuclear Propulsion

Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) is one technology that can provide high thrust and double the propellant efficiency of chemical rockets, making it a viable option for crewed missions to Mars.