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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
This project aims to synergize the state-of-the-art Trash-to-Gas (TtG) and In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) technologies to successfully extract metals from astronaut waste items for use in 3D printing.
This project Aligns with STMD Strategic Framework 2021 Live, “Processes and methods for vented habitat gases and jettisoned trash to planetary protection protocols”, “Materials and mechanisms for extreme environments”, Explore, “Recycling, reusing and repurposing”. This project marks the beginning of an integral collaboration between two sustainable, mid-TRL technologies – Trash-to-Gas and In-Space Manufacturing. If successful in this preliminary study, future collaboration will be enacted between KSC TtG and MSFC ISM which will enhance the resource recovery and in-situ resource utilization capabilities of future exploration missions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.