Small Spacecraft Transfer-stage Aluminized Rocket (Small STAR)

During the proposed Phase II research and development effort, the project team will integrate previously demonstrated technologies into a low-cost transfer stage based on a high energy density, aluminized, green monopropellant. The resulting stage will achieve the Mass Fraction and Specific Impulse performance needed to send small-spacecraft payloads in the near term to the cislunar environment, with longer term potential for farther destinations such as near-Earth objects, Mars, or Venus. The stage will be designed to provide support services to the spacecraft post-deployment, such as communications relay or positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. The Phase I program will conclude with a hot-fire demonstration of the propulsion system.

Small spacecraft transfer stage/upper stage propulsion systems for Small Launch Vehicles

Low cost space lift, exploration missions to the moon and Mars

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.