In-Space Production from Recyclable Feedstocks

Enable in-space manufacturing of articles fabricated from reversibly assembling materials (i.e., recyclable feedstocks) that were initially used as vehicle secondary structures and single-use articles. Long endurance exploration missions have increasing payload demands that current launch vehicle technology cannot support in an economic and expeditious fashion. A manufacturing technique where articles could be generated, utilized, and returned to feedstock, without a significant energy budget requirement, for additional use could bridge this gap. Reversible click chemical reaction species integrated into a durable polymer coating on mechanically robust epoxy microparticles will be investigated in this effort. Reduce hydrogen-bonding interactions to promote click-chemistry behavior Evaluate polyurethane and polycarbonate particle coatings Characterize interaction strength between coated epoxy microparticles for assessment of macro-scaled mechanical properties using atomic force microscopy and other interaction force characterization techniques Utilize resonance frequency-enhanced perturbation to selectively transport particles for separation demonstration

A manufacturing technique where articles could be generated, utilized, and returned to feedstock, without a significant energy budget requirement, for additional use could bridge this gap

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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