Novel Hybrid Propulsion System for Sample Return Missions

Parabilis Space Technologies is pleased to propose the development of a Liquid Injection Thrust Vector Control (LITVC) system integrated into a regeneratively cooled, additively manufactured nozzle in response to solicitation S4.03, Spacecraft Technology for Sample Return Missions. The use of additive manufacturing and regenerative cooling prevents nozzle erosion near the injection ports, enables optimization of the nozzle surface for global system efficiency, and allows incorporation of high efficiency side force throttling techniques. This will continue the work on the motor configuration which was designed, assembled, and successfully hot fired during the Phase I program and has continued development during Phase II The proposed innovation addresses the steering needs of sample return missions through the use of a high-performance LITVC system integrated into a regeneratively cooled, additively manufactured nozzle. The proposed system integrates extremely efficiently with Parabilis' aft-injection center exhaust (ACE) architecture. The system is particularly synergistic with JPL's hybrid rocket motor architecture proposed for Mars sample return, but it is beneficial for other missions as well.

The proposed novel hybrid propulsion technology provides significant benefits to a range of NASA applications. Aft-injection, Center Exhaust (ACE) hybrid technology is suitable as a backup candidate for the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) should the Sample Return program run into delays or the front-runner MAV propulsion solutions run into technical problems. ACE also provides a cost and form factor that will benefit initiatives to create affordable, flexible flight-opportunity stages to sounding rockets, or in-space propulsion options.

AFRL funded Parabilis to mature our in-space propulsion technology. A wide variety of USAF/DOD in-space applications will benefit from the affordability and flexibility of ACE and other Parabilis hybrid propulsion technologies. Many commercial space operators will benefit from a capability to provide affordable, efficient delta V from a flexible, non-toxic subsystem that provides high thrust.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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