Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a standardized framework originally developed by NASA to measure the maturity of a technology, from early-stage research (TRL 1) through operational deployment (TRL 9). Each level represents progressively greater validation through analysis, laboratory testing, environmental qualification, and demonstrated reliable performance.
TRL 9 is a mandatory requirement for orbital deployment. Spacecraft systems and components must demonstrate reliable operation under extreme and inaccessible conditions, including radiation exposure, vacuum environments, thermal cycling, launch vibration, and microgravity.
Organizations lack affordable, repeatable opportunities to demonstrate performance in space.
Achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL 7) marks the critical transition from prototype testing in a relevant environment to demonstrating a high-fidelity system prototype in an actual operational environment.
TRL 7 testing is typically conducted on satellites that do not have return capability, meaning that tested hardware remains in orbit after the mission. For high-value subsystems such as radars, sensors, propulsion systems, and high-power amplifiers, leaving these expensive assets in space following testing and evaluation, is a very costly practice which is unstainable, particularly with the increasing concern about the damage caused by orbital debris.
