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Radio Frequency Mass Gauging - Intuitive Machines Nova-C Mission (RFMG-IM)

Completed TRL 7 (started at 5, targeting 7)

Description

The Radio Frequency Mass Gauge (RFMG) team built, tested and delivered and RFMG System to Intuitive Machines (IM) for integration into their Nova-C lunar lander for the IM-1 lunar mission. IM landed on the moon February 26, 2025 and the RFMG had successful measurements throughout the mission.

Benefits

RFMG technology, once proven can demonstrate significantly more accurate measurement of a fuel tank's fill-level in low-G and zero-G. Current propellant fill measurement methods require a thrust to provide a force upon the propellant.

Details

Technology areaThermal Management Systems > Cryogenic Systems > In-Space Propellant Storage and Use
ProgramTechnology Demonstration Missions (TDM)
Lead organizationGlenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Start date2020-06-01
End date2025-06-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.