High-Density, Non-Toxic, Low-Cost, Hybrid Stage for Lunar Injection

Parabilis Space Technologies, a HUBZone certified small business, is pleased to propose the development of a high-performance hybrid rocket stage for trans-lunar orbit injection and maneuvering in response to solicitation Z8.09, Small Launcher Lunar Transfer Stage Development. This effort leverages previous successful NASA-funded R&D at Parabilis for a “NanoLaunch” hybrid upper stage. The proposed stage is economical, non-toxic, non-cryogenic, restartable, and will deliver 25 kg (or larger) payloads into translunar trajectories. During Phase I, Parabilis will perform analysis and trades to arrive at a stage architecture that robustly closes on the solicitation requirements. Parabilis will perform fluid system testing and work closely with a pump vendor to verify the architecture. Parabilis will additionally design a prototype motor/feed system suitable for hot-fire testing at Parabilis’s rocket test site in a subsequent Phase II.

The proposed innovation is ideal for low-cost delivery of a 25-35kg payload, such as the CAPSTONE / NRHO Pathfinder, into a translunar trajectory. A lower than maximum payload will provide sufficient delta-V for delivery into lunar orbit. The proposed hybrid propulsion can address other NASA needs including an upper stage for small LVs capable of taking payloads to LEO, a low-cost transfer vehicle for interplanetary missions, or an ascent vehicle for sample return missions.

Hybrid propulsion is of direct interest to the US Air Force and commercial satellite providers. High impulse maneuvering can protect space assets from threats at lower cost than existing systems. Hybrids can provide lower cost hypersonic flight testing which is critical to US interests. The commercial market for low cost satellite propulsion includes civil, commercial and scientific customers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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