Research & software
An evidence atlas, interactive physics tools, optical-momentum analysis and experiment documentation give the program a concrete starting point.
Inspect the research package ↗METRIC FLIGHT / INVESTORS
Build the IP.
Prove the physics.
Expand the possible.
We are building a research and intellectual-property foundation for a new generation of optical control, precision measurement and spacecraft motion.
Our ambition reaches beyond a single experiment: develop the methods, software and engineered systems that could make light a more useful tool for moving and controlling spacecraft.
01 / WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW
A developed foundation.
A defined first measurement.
Metric Flight is in research development and instrument planning. The project already contains tangible intellectual work. The next step is to turn that foundation into experimentally demonstrated capability.
The MF-01 experiment
A proposed optical-force platform, calibration approach and control sequence define the first technical milestone: recover the known force of light with quantified uncertainty.
Explore the first experiment ↗Programmable surfaces
Investigate whether engineered optical structures can control momentum transfer usefully. Graphene is a candidate within a larger device architecture.
Follow the materials research ↗Current position · 22 October 2026. The program has not reported a qualified Metric Flight force measurement, a flight-ready component or a demonstrated propulsion system. Alpha 1 remains a separate, unvalidated hypothesis with its hardware branch on hold.
02 / THE INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATION
Our IP begins with
the work already developed.
The present foundation includes project-developed software, research organization, experimental documentation and system concepts. Our strategy is to grow that work into a portfolio of specific, evidence-backed implementations.
01Mission Workbench ↗
Software & computational workflows
Interactive models, calculation tools, analysis code and structured research workflows. The commercial opportunity is to develop validated tools that solve a defined measurement or design problem.
02Development plan ↗
Experimental architecture & documentation
MF-01 protocols, instrument requirements, control logic and uncertainty planning. The next layer is implementation-specific engineering supported by actual apparatus records.
03Research atlas ↗
Research organization & design concepts
A structured evidence base and proposed connections between surface geometry, optical behavior and motion. Published studies remain the work of their authors; our opportunity lies in what we develop and validate from here.
IP status. Existing intellectual work, patent applications and granted patents are distinct. This page does not claim a filed application or granted patent. Formal ownership, contributor assignments, third-party licenses and any filing status must be documented in investment diligence. Novelty and exclusivity have not been established for the proposed implementations.
03 / WHERE THE IP COULD GO
From measuring a force
to engineering its use.
We see four connected areas for future development. Each can produce useful knowledge; a commercial IP position depends on a specific implementation, evidence of differentiation and a customer need.
Precision force platforms
Potential inventions in fixtures, disturbance rejection, calibration integration and synchronized optical-force measurement.
Required proof: repeatable performance against a qualified benchmark and a measurable advantage for an identified user.
Possible route: instruments, analysis software or specialist measurement services.
Engineered optical surfaces
Potential implementations in surface architecture, tunable beam direction and device packaging for controlled momentum transfer.
Required proof: measured optical response, losses, thermal stability and force agreement within uncertainty.
Possible route: component licensing and application-specific co-development.
Light-to-motion control
Potential methods for coupling optical state, sensor feedback and commanded force or torque in a complete system.
Required proof: closed-loop control with quantified bandwidth, stability, power demand and disturbances.
Possible route: control software, electronics and integrated payload subsystems.
Future spacecraft capability
Explore precision pointing, attitude control and externally illuminated propulsion concepts that could reduce reliance on expendable propellant for suitable missions.
Required proof: whole-system mass, power, thermal and momentum accounting; environmental qualification and mission comparison.
Possible route: qualified spacecraft components and mission partnerships.
These are development ambitions, not an existing patent portfolio or available products. Light-based motion exchanges momentum with radiation; its usefulness depends on available illumination and complete system performance.
04 / WHAT CAPITAL WOULD ENABLE
Fund the next proof.
Build the next asset.
Establish the foundation
Recruit experimental leadership, document ownership and contributions, complete technical design and obtain equipment quotations.
Decision gate: approved design, rights record and costed scope.Qualify the measurement
Build owned apparatus, establish independent calibration and run the optical benchmark with thermal, electrical and mechanical controls.
Decision gate: reproducible results within an approved uncertainty budget.Test differentiation
Evaluate a specified surface or control method against the baseline, document the implementation and assess its IP and customer relevance.
Decision gate: an independently reviewed advantage worth developing.Develop for adoption
Choose a customer application, pursue suitable protection and agreements, then qualify an integrated prototype against delivery requirements.
Decision gate: technical acceptance and a credible commercial scope.Capital requirements and investment terms will follow the agreed program, staffing and equipment budget. No valuation, return forecast or committed financing is presented here.
05 / BUILD THE NEXT CHAPTER
A long ambition.
A concrete next step.
We welcome investors who can support rigorous experimentation, durable intellectual property and the patient development of useful physical technology.
Begin with a discussion of the current assets, technical milestones, ownership documentation and capital needed for the next stage. Send a nonconfidential introduction with your investment focus and preferred role.
Metric Flight was founded by Christopher Hill. Related ventures share founder context; rights in another venture are not included in a Metric Flight investment unless expressly agreed.