← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 7)
Small-scale flight demonstration of a complete cryogenic oxygen fluid management system. Develop, launch, and fly a 9 month technology demonstration as the primary payload on a Rocket Lab Photon satellite to collect critical CFM data in orbit while testing 10 different CFM technologies necessary for creating practical propellent depots.
The primary goal of the LOXSAT 1 project is to demonstrate the ability to efficiently store, control, pressurize and transfer liquid oxygen in a LEO environment. This proven technology is crucial to establishing refueling capabilities for spacecraft reuse which is essential to a sustainable space program.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.