Technology readiness level

NASA TRL Meter

TPMM Transition Mechanism

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a method for estimating the maturity of technology during its development and in some cases during its early operations. It was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s and has since been adopted by many other organizations, including the European Space Agency and the European Commission.

Overview

TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the most mature technology. Each level represents a stage in the development process, from initial concept (TRL 1) to fully operational technology (TRL 9). This scale helps organizations assess the progress of their technology development and make informed decisions about funding and resource allocation.

TRL Scale

• TRL 1: Basic principles observed and reported. This is the lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development.
• TRL 2: Technology concept and/or application formulated. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions.
• TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept. Active research and development (R&D) is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory-scale studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.
• TRL 4: Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively "low fidelity" compared to the eventual system.
• TRL 5: Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment.
• TRL 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. A representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond the breadboard tested for TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment.
• TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in an operational environment. Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment.
• TRL 8: Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration. Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development.
• TRL 9: Actual system proven through successful mission operations. The technology is applied in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation.

Applications

TRLs are used in various fields, including aerospace, defense, energy, and healthcare. They provide a common language for discussing technology development and help to manage the risks associated with technology innovation.

See also

• Technology development process
• Innovation management
• Research and development

References

• Mankins, John C. (1995). "Technology Readiness Levels: A White Paper". NASA.
• European Commission. (2014). "Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)". Horizon 2020.

External links

• NASA Technology Readiness Levels
• European Commission TRL

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