Table 1 Technology readiness level scale... | Emerald Publishing

Table 1

Technology readiness level scale

TRL	Description
9	Actual system flight proven through successful mission operations
8	Actual system completed and flight qualified through test and demonstration
7	System prototype demonstration in an operational environment
6	System/subsystem model or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment
5	Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment
4	Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment
3	Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic
2	Technology concept and/or application formulated and analyzed
1	Basic principles observed, reported, and theoretically analyzed

TRL	Description
9	Actual system flight proven through successful mission operations
8	Actual system completed and flight qualified through test and demonstration
7	System prototype demonstration in an operational environment
6	System/subsystem model or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment
5	Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment
4	Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment
3	Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic
2	Technology concept and/or application formulated and analyzed
1	Basic principles observed, reported, and theoretically analyzed

Source: (Mankins, 2009)