{
  "id": 10712649,
  "title": "NSTGRO 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/nstgro-2026",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-29T14:20:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA",
    "slug": "nasa",
    "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/stmd/space-tech-research-grants/nstgro/nstgro-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NSTGRO 2026 explores innovative technologies for future space exploration and operations. The University of Memphis presents PAMs for origami-inspired space docking ports, while the University of Texas at Austin focuses on intelligent multi-agent constellations for cooperative cislunar operations. Harvard University develops a photonic SNSPD readout system for improved optical communication. Rice University works on a compact magnetic heat switch for thermal management in low power missions.\n\nColorado School of Mines aims to standardize regolith terramechanics properties, while Yale University studies RF hydrogen plasma for ion-assisted metal processing of lunar regolith. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign investigates plume-surface interaction experiments and adaptive wire-bent compliant attachment aids for small satellite docking. Rice University also models solid-state batteries and electrochemical cells for low-temperature applications.\n\nMichigan Technological University proposes a liquid droplet radiator, while Texas A&M University focuses on cavitation in rocket engine turbopump inducers. Massachusetts Institute of Technology develops a new model for cavitation, and Caltech integrates optoelectronically mode-locked lasers for space applications. Lastly, Michigan Technological University explores radiative passive processing technology for offworld resource separation.",
  "summary": "NSTGRO Homepage Omar AlyousefUniversity Of MemphisPolycatenated Architected Materials (PAM) for Origami-Inspired Space Docking Ports Cade ArmstrongUniversity Of Texas at AustinIntelligent Multi-Agent Constellations for Cooperative Cislunar Operations Laurel BarnettHarvard UniversityPhotonic SNSPD Readout and Feed Forward System for Improved Optical Communication Capabilities Katie BarcakWilliam…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NASA Science",
        "title": "NSTGRO 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/nstgro-2026-10720044",
        "published": "2026-09-29T14:20:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}