Controllable Combustion of Metal Fuels for Space Power Systems

NASAs new space missions will need non-nuclear power systems with very high specific energies. The project addresses this challenge in an innovative approach that decouples oxygen generation and metal combustion, allowing controllable heat release by storable reactive systems with specific energies several times greater than those achieved with batteries. In addition, the potential of the system can be increased by using in situ resources, such as CO2. The project aims to investigate the fundamental processes of lithium and magnesium combustion in O2 and CO2 environments. The experimental and modeling studies will confirm the feasibility of the proposed concept, clarify the mechanisms and kinetics of the involved reactions, determine the combustion behavior and characteristics at different operating parameters, and identify the conditions for a steady propagation of the combustion wave over the metal fuel.

This project looks to provide specific energy several times higher than the best batteries, An optional addition of in situ CO2 further increases specific energy with high energy density, non-toxic, solid components, and an unlimited lifetime

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.

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