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TPF-C Technology Plan - Exoplanet Exploration Program - NASA

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Appendix E: <strong>Technology</strong> Readiness<br />

<strong>Technology</strong> Readiness<br />

<strong>TPF</strong>-C technology progress is tracked against several metrics. One set of metrics is the<br />

technology gates discussed above in Section 1.6. In terms of coverage of technology risk areas,<br />

these gates are not all-inclusive, but they do offer a concrete measure of <strong>TPF</strong>-C’s progress<br />

toward full technology validation. Another metric is the <strong>Technology</strong> Readiness Level (TRL)<br />

scale. The entire TRL scale is given below for reference.<br />

TRL 1: Basic principles observed and reported<br />

TRL 2: <strong>Technology</strong> concept and/or application formulated<br />

TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept<br />

TRL 4: Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment<br />

TRL 5: Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment<br />

TRL 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment<br />

(ground or space)<br />

TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in a space environment<br />

TRL 8: Actual system completed and “flight qualified” through test and demonstration<br />

(ground or space)<br />

TRL 9: Actual system “flight proven” through successful mission operations<br />

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