Propellant Delivery Via VDC Driven Pump, Year 1

Current cryogenic propellant delivery systems typically rely on some combination of high volume/pressure/mass/cost run tanks and gaseous driven turbomachinery for supply to a rocket engine. Reducing the physical size of the propellant delivery system enables mobility and shifts the volume handling requirement from expensive pressure rated vessels to far cheaper storage vessels. Further it could yield valuable data in terms of cryogenic handling and transfer for potential application outside of main propulsion systems. The innovative approach in this project is to replace the cryogenic run tanks and associated pressurization system with a storage tank and electrically driven pump. The design of the system will be optimized for autonomous operations and to require no more than two personnel to operate safely and successfully. Targeted pump requirements for a class 10k lb thrust article: Inlet Pressure: 50 – 100 PSIA Outlet Pressure: 700 – 2500 PSIA Flow Rates: LOX: 134 – 167 GPM LCH4: 107 – 134 GPM LN2 tests will demonstrate flow characteristics (mass flow rate, pressure) of the system across a defined range of off design Q/N values. Technical Challenge: Milestone or Deliverable: 1) Physical system design: PDR = T+3months & CDR = T+4months; 2) Define autonomous operation routines: concept of operations= T+7 months; 3) Down Select a pump capable of meeting the design =T+8 months; 4) Begin development of physical system for testing = T+10 months. (As part of the OCT Innovation Seedling Accelerator Experiment, we will be using the NASA@Work platform to seek other innovative ideas and agile processes that may be considered for incorporation during this CIF project.)

Results from this project are intended to directly feed into the construction of a mobile test platform designed around small engine testing (e.g., ~10K thrust class for landers). The potential exists to manifold several pumps together to increase system pressure and flow rate, such a system could further be used to scale up to larger platforms optimized for testing higher output engines. Expect interest from other RPT centers and potentially from space-based cryogenic fluid handling applications.

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.

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.