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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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68 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2019

Fusion-Enabled Pluto Orbiter and Lander

Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) is a unique fusion engine concept based on the Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration (PFRC) fusion reactor conceived by Dr. Sam Cohen of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. DFD would enable the Pluto orbiter and lander context mission and more broadly enable true "rapid transit" to outer-planet and near interstellar space. The truly game-changing levels of thrust and power in a modestly sized package could integrate with our current launch infrastructure while radically expanding the science capability of these missions. Our Phase I was our first funded work on the DFD, with previous work at PSS occurring only under internal R&D. We established the feasibility of our Pluto mission trajectories using straight-line and planar models, including a departure spiral from Earth and insertion at Pluto. We developed our first thrust and specific impulse model using the results of the UEDGE multi-fluid code. Our specific power model was improved. During this Phase II effort, we continued our efforts to increase the fidelity of the designs for the RF, magnet, and shielding subsystems. Dedicated thrust augmentation experiments were run on the PFRC experiment, using a supersonic gas puffing valve. For the first time, we analyzed the design of a closed-loop operation mode and estimated the hardware that would be required for a dual-mode engine. In an exciting new development, we have invented a new thermophotovoltaic thermal conversion method that has the potential to have efficiencies of a Brayton or Stirling system. Our report presents details of these analyses. Our roadmap to bringing DFD to flight predicts that with sufficient support, a first flight unit could be built by 2040. We anticipate that three machine generations are required before this point: a ~1 T PFRC-3 machine hitting new plasma temperature and density levels, a ~5 T PFRC-4 machine with first demonstration of D-3He fusion, and a flight. (The current experiment, PFRC-2, is limited to about 0.1 T). In order to achieve a flight in 2035-2040, the TRL of the supporting systems must be increased in parallel, including low mass radiators, cryogenic propellant storage, and large (>100 kW) thermal conversion systems. Fortunately, many of these systems are dual-use and are required for other technologies including fission systems, so DFD would contribute to and benefit from those programs. This NIAC support and the results of our work have led to multiple follow-on contracts. We won two NASA STTRs focused on DFD subsystems, one on the RF system and one on the superconducting magnets, and our magnet STTR is now midway through a Phase II. We will be receiving a superconducting test magnet for experiments at PPPL this summer. In addition, we won an ARPA-E OPEN grant; this is the first time that OPEN has included fusion technologies, and we are part of a cohort of three alternative fusion companies now supported directly by DOE. We are very optimistic that if we are able to meet our experimental milestones in the next 12-18 months, we will be competitive for additional DOE grants to build PFRC-3.

Propulsion↗
NASA NTRS2019

Extreme-Temperature Carbon- and Ceramic-Matrix Composite Nozzle Extensions for Liquid Rocket Engines

The United States (US) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its US industry partners are developing extreme-temperature composite nozzle extensions for a variety of cryogenic liquid rocket engine propulsion systems. Applications under consideration at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) include launch vehicle (upper stage), in-space, and lunar lander descent/ascent propulsion systems. Composite material systems of interest include carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon/silicon-carbide (C-SiC) composites, as well as modified versions of such composites (coatings, mixed matrices, oxidation inhibitors, etc.). Missions addressed include access to low Earth orbit, the lunar surface, and more distant destinations. Cryogenic upper-stage and in-space liquid rocket engines are optimized for performance through the use of high area ratio nozzles to fully expand combustion gases to low exit pressures, increasing exhaust velocities. As a result of the large size of such nozzles, and the related engine performance requirements, composite nozzle extensions are being considered to reduce mass impacts. Currently, metallic and foreign composite nozzle extensions used on the Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9, and Ariane 5 launch vehicles represent the state-of-the-art. Such extensions are limited to use at or slightly above 2000°F (1093°C). Materials under development by MSFC and its industry partners have the potential to operate at temperatures up to (or above) 4250°F (2343°C). Marshall Space Flight Center efforts are aimed at (a) further developing the technology and databases needed to enable the use of composite nozzle extensions on cryogenic liquid rocket engines, (b) developing and demonstrating low-cost capabilities for testing and qualifying such nozzle extensions, and (c) advancing the US domestic supply chain for nozzle extensions. Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, low-level internal MSFC research projects, and teaming arrangements with domestic industry partners, composite material design, development, hot-fire test, and evaluation efforts are progressing. Hot- fire engine tests of subscale hardware have been conducted using oxygen/hydrogen (LOX/H2), oxygen/methane (LOX/CH4), and oxygen/kerosene (LOX/RP-1) propellants. These engine tests at MSFC have enabled the evaluation of both heritage and state-of-the-art material systems, demonstrating the initial capabilities of the extreme temperature materials and their fabrication methods. Recent, ongoing, and potential future work supporting cryogenic propulsion systems development will be presented. The composite nozzle extension technology and test capabilities being developed are intended to support both NASA and US Department of Defense requirements, as well as those of the broader Commercial Space industry.

Valentine, Peter G.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Small Spacecraft Technology Program (SSTP) Overview, Recent Technology Demonstrations, and Upcoming SSTP Demonstrations

The Small Spacecraft Technology Program (SSTP) within the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is chartered to enable mission capabilities that are more rapid, more transformative, and more affordable than previously achievable. To that end, the SST program seeks to: • Enable the execution of missions at much lower cost than previously possible. • Substantially reduce the time required for development of spacecraft, from authority to proceed until initial launch capability. • Enable and demonstrate new mission architectures that small spacecraft are uniquely suited for. • Expand the capability of small spacecraft to execute missions at new destinations and in challenging new environments. • Enable the augmentation of existing assets and future missions with supporting small spacecraft. This paper will describe the NASA SSTP SmallSat Technology Partnerships (STP), completed and upcoming Missions Capability Demonstrations for technology demonstrations under SSTP1 and provides a synopsis of the leveraged investments under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). A brief overview of the Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute (S3VI) and its current activities performed in conjunction with SSTP is also provided.

Roger C. Hunter↗
NASA NTRS2020

Hybrid Upper Stage Provides a Safe, Green, and Cost-Efficient Solution for CubeSat Launches

Parabilis Space Technologies developed a hybrid upper stage that combines the benefits of traditional liquid and solid propulsion systems while reducing risk and cost. Hybrid technology is safe, green, and cost-efficient, making it versatile, especially for CubeSat launches, and Parabilis’ ACE configuration makes the system more compact. Parabilis received additional funding from NASA and the U.S. Air Force to develop this technology beyond the Phase I and II STTR accomplishments

SBIR/STTR↗
NASA NTRS2021

Electrochemical System Recovers Hydrogen and Helium for Rocket Engine Tests

SKYRE, Inc. received NASA SBIR and STTR funding to develop electrochemical systems for recovering and compressing gases. SKYRE has worked with Stennis Space Center to advance the company’s Hydrogen Recovery System (HRS) for supplying compressed hydrogen and helium, which are required for rocket engine testing. Through funding from the NASA Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program, and with business training from the NASA SBIR/STTR I-Corps program, SKYRE has commercialized its technology into two product lines, valuing SBIR/STTR-related revenue at $25 million.

SBIR/STTR↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Efforts to Explore Additively Manufactured Thermal Protection Systems

Development of the thermal protection system (TPS) needed to protect external and internal surfaces during launch, ascent, cruise, and reentry, is a very specialized field with expertise developed over seven decades and has enabled successful robotic as well as human exploration. Well known examples are: 1) the ablative heatshield that protected Apollo Astronauts during reentry in 1960’s, 2) reusable TPS used on the Space Shuttle Orbiter, which is now sought after by commercial space industry, and 3) hot structures, such as Carbon-Carbon and other high temperature materials needed to operate control surfaces and sharp leading edges during hypervelocity flight. TPS function demands fail-safe design to ensure mission success. One TPS does not fit all, and each application requires a unique material along with manufacturing and integration approach. TPS mass is a key metric. A robust but inefficient TPS reduces payload mass. Mission- and domain-unique TPS development and flight certification efforts have been expensive with long lead times. As a result, there are limited TPS choices with high cost. For future commercial efforts to be successful, the ability to rapidly develop TPS, based on specific needs and at a lower cost, without compromising either mass efficiency or functionality is necessary. NASA is looking into this. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have shown their utility in making complex parts and, through automation, the potential to reduce cost and schedule in some applications. The promise of additive manufacturing to TPS, while exciting, is unexplored. In the past several years, NASA has made exploratory investments in internal development as well as in small business and universities through SBIR and STTR programs. In addition, NASA is bringing together the TPS as well as Additive Manufacturing communities to explore approaches to prioritize focus areas for broad benefits. The very first “Additively Manufactured Thermal Protection System Workshop,” to be held at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston at the end of March of this year, is the culmination of a year-long effort to engage the research, development, and user communities involved in both TPS as well as additive manufacturing. The workshop participants include representatives from large and small commercial space industry, DoD, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, University Researchers and NASA personnel. The proposed talk will highlight future TPS needs of both emerging commercial and Government interests, NASA’s development efforts in additively manufactured TPS, and the findings and recommendations from the first AM TPS Workshop.

Ethiraj Venkatapathy↗
NASA NTRS2022

Methane Bioreactor System Offers Sustainable Plastic Alternative for Earth and Space

Mango Materials partnered with the Colorado School of Mines on NASA STTR awards to adapt a bioreactor system to convert methane into bioplastic for low-gravity environments. In space, methane from carbon dioxide conversion systems and waste treatment can be used to 3D print objects and provide polymers for construction and regolith binding. On Earth, the system can convert methane—a greenhouse gas—into environmentally conscious bioplastic. Mango Materials received $6 million through NASA CCRPP, including funds from fashion investors seeking alternatives to plastic-based textiles.

SBIR/STTR↗
DOE OSTI2021

An Investigation of Innovative Energy Technologies Entering the Market between 2009-2015, Enabled by EERE-Funded R&D

This report documents technologies that have been commercialized by the private sector and other partners—such as technology developers in startups, companies, and universities—in part because of R&D funding from EERE. It also documents emerging technologies that have the potential to reach the market within the next three years with the support of EERE R&D investments. Commercial and emerging technology tracking in this manner assists EERE technology managers, analysts, communications staff, and senior management in describing and explaining the benefits of EERE-funded research. Policy- and decision-makers would then have the latest information to guide future program development and direction.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Marine Energy Commercialization Review: Evaluation of the Transition From Public to Private Capital

The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is to advance marine energy technologies through research, testing, and commercialization. This paper explores the barriers and potential solutions for marine energy commercialization by evaluating publicly available literature, feedback from public and private actors, and historical WPTO actions. A key finding is the absence of standardized metrics to measure marine energy commercialization progress and the lack of targeted success goals. This paper aims to define those metrics, informed by public and private goals and the challenges developers experience, and to further evaluate targets offered by public funders and private capital providers. Recommendations to address barriers in marine energy commercialization include enhancing public-private communication, refining commercialization requirements, leveraging technology transfer programs, and exploring novel funding mechanisms like green bonds and contracts for difference. Addressing these challenges through proposed adjustments could facilitate the transition of marine energy technologies from public funding to sustainable private investment, ultimately advancing their commercialization.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2018

Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) Educational Briefing

This is an educational briefing package for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion and Power (EAPP); this presentation will brief on NASA needs and challenges in Electrified Aircraft Propulsion and Power as well as the SBIR program and proposal guidance.

SBIR↗
NASA NTRS2021

Power and Propulsion for Gateway: A NASA SBIR/STTR Success Story

NASA’s Gateway in lunar orbit will play a critical role in the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. The development of the Power and Propulsion Element for Gateway is being led by Maxar Technologies, a mid-size organization, with contributions from two NASA SBIR/STTR awardees—Deployable Space Systems and Busek Company, Inc, both of which initially developed their Gateway contributions with support from the NASA SBIR/STTR program.

SBIR/STTR↗
NASA NTRS2021

3-D Bioprinter Overcomes Gravity by Printing Living Tissues in Space

Techshot, Inc., based in Greensville, IN, is the first U.S. company to 3-D print organic products on the International Space Station (ISS). The company’s BioFabrication Facility (BFF), developed in collaboration with nScrypt, Inc., prints in space to overcome the effects of gravity on Earth, which cause 3-D printed tissues to disform under their own weight. Techshot’s BFF was launched to the ISS supported by the NASA SBIR/STTR program in 2019. The company has since worked with NASA and other customers, valuing BFF’s external investments at more than $5 million, including $2.5 million from the ISS Program.

SBIR↗