NASA is funding two research programs focused on developing advanced carbon composite materials that can detect and repair damage they suffer.
The space agency is funding the research under its Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. It recently selected two projects for continued funding under Phase II of the program, which provides contracts for up $750,000 apiece.
One project selected for negotiations is being undertaken by Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation of Manassas, Va., and the University of Massachusetts — Lowell. The research proposal is for the automated manufacturing of damage detecting, self-healing composite cryogenic pressure vessels.