Novel Sorbent to Remove Radioactive Halogens and Noble Gases from NTP Engine Exhaust

Solid-core Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) has been identified as the advanced propulsion concept which could provide the fastest trip times with fewer Space Launch System (SLS) launches for human missions to Mars. Current environmental regulations require that radioactive halogens, noble gases, aerosols and particulates must be filtered out of NTP engine exhaust during ground testing. In Phase I, we demonstrated the ability of our sorbent to remove ppm levels of halogens and noble gases from helium at high space velocities over multiple regeneration cycles.In this SBIR Phase II project, TDA Research, Inc. proposes to develop a novel scrubber that contains our high-capacity sorbent to remove of the radioactive halogens and noble gases from NTP engine exhaust, as part of NASA's larger exhaust treatment system. In Phase II, we will continue to optimize the sorbent formulation, scale up its production, and design and build a portable sub-scale unit to demonstrate its ability to selectively remove >99.5% radioactive halogens and noble gases under simulated NTP engine exhaust conditions. Based on the performance results, we will carry out a detailed design of the full-size scrubbing system for treating NTP engine exhaust and estimate its size, cost and energy requirements.

The sorbents developed in the Phase II will find use in scrubber systems for NTP engine exhaust during ground testing. Current environmental regulations require that radioactive halogens, noble gases, aerosols and particulates must be filtered out of NTP engine exhaust during ground testing to stay within safe limits. A high efficiency sorbent that removes radioactive halogens and noble gases (greater than 99.5%) is of specific interest to NASA.

There is a much larger commercial market for the sorbents developed here in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities to control emissions of radioactive halogens and noble gases. Some of the radioisotopes that are recovered (such as iodine-131) are also important in nuclear medicine.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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