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Overview
Advanced Component Technologies (ACT) implements technology developments that advance the state-of-the-art of instruments, Earth- and space-based platforms, and information systems. The ACT program

• Focuses requirements, defines technology roadmaps
• Refines reference-mission scenarios
• Advances component and subsystem developments
• Leverages technology investments by collaborating with national and international agencies, and with private industry in the U.S.

A hand as seen by the ACT-funded Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) array, which can detect invisible infrared light in a range of wavelengths, or "colors". (PI: Dr. Murzy Jhabvala, NASA GSFC)

Objectives
To research, develop, and demonstrate component- and subsystem-level technologies that reduce risk, cost, size, mass, and development time of missions and infrastructure. This segment of the overall ESTO program advances core component technologies to a technology readiness level (TRL) that enables their eventual infusion into missions.

Program Description
The program brings instrument, platform, and information system components to a maturity level that allows their integration into other NASA technology-development programs such as the Instrument Incubator Program and the New Millennium Program. Some components are directly infused into mission designs by flight projects. Other components “graduate” to other programs for further development. ACT also develops new ways to perform measurements and to process data products to expand research and application capabilities

Development Activities
Component Technology Development-- This element of ACT addresses advancement of components that provide new measurement and infrastructure capabilities. Although ACT can support any of the ESTO activities, current investments are primarily geared toward developing components for the instrument product line.