← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)
Blue Origin established a partnership with Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and Langley Research Center (LaRC) to evaluate and mature high-temperature liquid rocket engine nozzle material technologies under an Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO). This ACO, through a non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement, executed parallel paths for coupon level testing and sub-scale nozzle testing in a high-temperature, reduced oxygen environment to accelerate development and provide early risk reduction of rocket engines. This joint effort leveraged Blue Origin’s experience in propulsion and material development and NASA’s expertise with high-temperature materials and nozzle testing in a relative hot fire test environment. This technical effort took place from September 2019 through March 2022.
The activity reduced the risks for the first high-temperature mid- scale nozzle test on rocket engines by testing coupons and subscale hardware at elevated temperatures and in a reduced oxygen environment. This development also benefits both NASA and industry knowledge of high temperature composites for nozzles. Potential benefits include:
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.