TopFuel Integrated Lunar Transfer Stage

During the proposed Phase I research and development effort, the project team will integrate previously demonstrated technologies into a low-cost solid rocket motor to serve as a cis-lunar transfer stage to guide and propel small spacecraft on Trans Lunar Injection (TLI) trajectories. The resulting solid rocket motor will meet requirements for Mass Fraction and Specific Impulse that will enable it to achieve the NASA targeted lunar orbits. Key stage component will be fabricated and demonstrated in hot-fire, static testing. The Phase I project will demonstrate the solid rocket motor design fits within the constraints of a particular small launch vehicle. The proposed project team will develop a plan for a follow-on Phase II flight demonstration program.

Cislunar transfer stage for small spacecraft Small orbital launch vehicles Hypersonic propulsion testing

DoD small spacecraft and technology demonstration missions Air Force operationally responsive space launch Commercial small satellite launch

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.

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.