Control Electronic and Testing of Microsystems for Highly Mass-constrained Planetary Missions

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology. This specific opportunity focuses on the development and testing of highly miniature control electronics for instruments for highly mass-constrained planetary missions. NASA missions are in need of low size, weight, and power (SWaP) instruments. The fellow will study pathways to readying miniature multi-functional instruments with high science value, focusing on the development of flight-like electronics and mechanisms that make use of state-of-the-art components with an identifiable path to flight to support near-term needs. Goals for the entire instrument are <5W, <500g, ~0.5U. The NASA Fellow will work with a team of scientists and engineers, gain experience in instrument systems engineering, publish technical papers, and emerge a leader in instrument system miniaturization.