The agreement is focused on the development, testing, and operation of deployable drag sails and solar sails for on-orbit propulsion.  Under the direction of Dr. David Spencer, SFPL has an active research program related to applications of small satellites and deployable sails.  Lightweight booms are used to support sails in orbit.  The Structural Dynamics Branch at NASA LaRC is developing sail deployment systems, including patented carbon fiber composite boom technology called SHEARLESS (SHEAth-based Rollable LEnticular-Shaped and Low-Stiction).  Through this agreement, SFPL and NASA will collaborate on the design of sail deployment systems and components, and pursue opportunities to advance the maturity of these systems through mutually-beneficial on-orbit demonstration missions.