NASA
is known for its technological innovation. Over the last few decades,
multiple new technologies have been developed in the laboratory that have
the potential to significantly benefit future robotic and human space
missions. Unfortunately, very few of these new technologies make it
into flight programs and systems; they all-too-often languish in the
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Valley of Death between laboratory
proof of concept and flight validation. This presentation will discuss
NASA’s history of technology innovation and the problems encountered with
maintaining advocacy and funding to get these innovations through the Valley
of Death and to flight.