Positron awarded research contract from feds – Firm focuses on technology, solid rocket fuels

Positron Systems, http://www.positronsystems.com/ a Boise start-up company, has won its fifth research grant in less than two years, this time with the U.S. military´s Missile Defense Agency.

Julie Howard
The Idaho Statesman

The Small Business Innovative Research contract, for just less than $100,000, will allow Positron to demonstrate its technology that detects structural and chemical defects in solid rocket propellants.

The technology, called photon-induced positron annihilation, detects flaws before materials develop cracks and is expected to save the agency millions of dollars.

“Recognition of the unique potential of Positron Systems´ technologies to nondestructively inspect for defects in solid-rocket motor propellants by the Missile Defense Agency with the award of this research contract is very gratifying, especially considering the highly competitive nature of SBIR awards,” said Steve Bolen, president and CEO of Positron.

The research that Positron will conduct is aimed at verifying structural behavior of solid rocket propellants, chemical interactions that result in structural changes and failure predictions under a number of conditions.

Bolen said that more than 1,850 applicants competed for the research contract with the Missile Defense Agency.

The research will take place at Positron Systems´ Test and Analysis Center in Pocatello.

Once completed, the company can apply for a phase-two grant for up to $500,000.

Positron, with headquarters in Boise, was founded in 2001.

To offer story ideas or comments, contact Julie Howard
[email protected] or 373-6618

http://www.idahostatesman.com/Business/story.asp?ID=49274