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1U CubeSat Green Propulsion System with Post-Launch Pressurization

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Development of a CubeSat level green propellant (alternate to Hydrazine) that uses a bellows tank thermally activated solid gas generator for pressurization.

Benefits

Because of its low toxicity and safety concerns, this system will pose minimum hazards to a spacecraft integrator, the primary payload, and the launch vehicle, and will be a better candidate for launch opportunities when compared with other state-of-the-art CubeSat propulsion devices. This propulsion system may expand the range of viable mission opportunities afforded to the CubeSat platform, which will benefit NASA and other organizations.

Details

Technology areaPropulsion Systems > Chemical Space Propulsion > Integrated Systems and Ancillary Technologies
ProgramSmall Spacecraft Technology (SST)
Lead organizationAmes Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Start date2014-04-01
End date2015-04-01

Project contacts

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

How to get involved

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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