← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
SpaceX partnered with MSFC to advance an effective in-space cryogenic fluid transfer system for Starship and other vehicles. Beyond this technical challenge, the project focused on addressing the broader in-space infrastructure challenge of facilitating interfaces between different vehicles and facilities from different providers. Space X successfully built and tested a prototype low-leakage coupler in the methane/LOX temperature regime, completing this effort in November 2021. SpaceX will adapt and utilize this design for future Starships. SpaceX also provided the coupler design to MSFC, which has since adapted it to apply to liquid hydrogen, and plans to test that coupler in the near future.
Provides a NASA standard common, cryogenic fluid coupler for all NASA and commercial in-space systems starting with HLS and beyond.
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.