Supercritical Brayton Converter for Nuclear Electric Propulsion

We are developing supercritical Brayton converter technology to help enable nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) for space exploration. This effort will extend spaceflight Brayton technology to significantly greater power levels and higher operating pressures where supercritical fluid properties provide dramatic advantages. The resulting converter will have exceptionally high specific power, creating a new benchmark for space systems. Creare is well suited to succeed because we have a long history developing advanced turbomachines, heat exchangers, and Brayton systems for challenging spaceflight applications. We will demonstrate the feasibility of our approach during the PhaseI project by assessing design trades that maximize specific power for the overall system, specifying preliminary design details for the converter assembly, and conducting laboratory tests to verify key features. We are now ready to retire the greatest technical risk for the converter by fabricating and testing a prototype turbomachine assembly during the PhaseII project. We are developing supercritical Brayton converter technology to help enable nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) for space exploration. This effort will extend spaceflight Brayton technology to significantly greater power levels and higher operating pressures where supercritical fluid properties provide dramatic advantages. The resulting converter will have exceptionally high specific power, creating a new benchmark for space systems. Creare is well suited to succeed because we have a long history developing advanced turbomachines, heat exchangers, and Brayton systems for challenging spaceflight applications. We demonstrated the feasibility of our approach during the Phase I project by assessing design trades that maximize specific power for the overall system, specifying preliminary design details for the converter assembly, and conducting laboratory tests to verify key features. We are now ready to retire the greatest technical risk for the converter by fabricating and testing a prototype turbomachine assembly during the Phase II project. The primary goal of the Phase II project is to fabricate a prototype turbomachine assembly suitable for integration with a NEP converter.  This accomplishment will mature our NEP converter technology and enhance its readiness level for future missions.  We will complete the following specific objectives during the Phase II project. Develop detailed design. Update performance and mass predictions. Fabricate prototype turbomachine. Verify mechanical operation. Specify continuation plan. The proposed deliverables are: (1) seven quarterly Progress Reports, (2) a Final Report, (3) presentation materials for a Kickoff Meeting, and (4) presentation materials for a Final Review Meeting.  We can also deliver the prototype turbomachine assembly if desired.  Alternatively, the turbomachine may remain at Creare for follow-on efforts to mature supercritical Brayton technology further.

There are many NASA uses for our converter technology. Potential applications include nuclear electric propulsion, scientific spacecraft, manned exploration of the Lunar and Martian surfaces, and space station power systems. The most likely heat sources are fission reactors and concentrated solar radiation. Terrestrial versions of our converter can be used to produce electric power for military and civilian applications. The resulting systems can be applied wherever electric generators are currently used. The technology can also be integrated with nuclear reactors on ships and submarines, as well as land-based mobile nuclear reactors presently under development.

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.