← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 7)
The LEAP (Long Endurance Advanced Prototype) flight demonstration will transfer LH2 propellant from the Centaur V main tank into the LH2 auxiliary tank in micro-g environment. An additional objective is to demonstrate tank pressure control and operation of LEAP LH2 thruster which uses propellants from the Centaur V propellant tanks. This experiment will also attempt a line chilldown and No-Vent-Fill operation.
Benefits include 20% increase in Vulcan Centaur launch performance, extending Centaur mission duration from hours to months and enhanced confidence in Dynetics cryogenic lunar lander benefiting USG missions, including HLS and commercial payloads. Reduces hardware and commodities, increasing lift capability, reduces wasted propellants, maximizing performance, and enables longer duration missions for future customer needs.
CFM benefits include advances in cryogenic fluid transfers and boil off (venting) management in a space/micro-g operational environment.
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.