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Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Plasma arc gasification (PAG) is an energy efficient mechanism of waste management for power generation and synthetic gas (syngas) production. Syngas can be chemically manipulated to create desired gases such as oxygen and methane on long duration missions from mission waste. Syngas can also be used directly to power small thruster engines for propulsion. PAG is a high temperature, high frequency and low volume gas emission system that dissociates organic compounds in a cleaner fashion when compared to current gasification and incineration processes utilized on Earth. PAG has only been used on large scale municipal waste systems. The project will create a novel micro-scale PAG system to convert logistical and hazardous wastes that could be used on long duration or planetary mission. The micro-scale system would be tested with space simulated hazardous and non-hazardous waste for proof of operation. The output syngas would be analyzed for future post treatment utilization operations such as fuel and life support system gases.
Developing small scale waste to energy systems for long duration missions. Commercial companies are very interested in pursuing this initiative as it fills a technology gap in industry to provide small scale waste to energy systems that operate at the point of waste generation. These micro-scale systems do not currently exist. They are also desirable in remote locations or where handling waste is particularly hazardous (ex: medical waste).
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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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