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Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
The Space Rated High Voltage Plasma Generating Supply is an enabling technology which provides the next step towards advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of plasma-based in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) experiments in space.
A space rated plasma supply is a key component required for plasma-based space experiments which does not readily exist commercially or in academia. The 2020 Plasma Decadal Study states: “The potential for a plasma-based life support system has yet to be explored, and would be paradigm shift, enabling for essentially complete recycling of wastewater and gases in the spacecraft”. The growth of companies developing custom landers, space habitats, and space stations may shift industry focus towards the use of plasma for complete recycling of waste products. In this case, the expertise and components required to build these systems will need to be developed before these technologies are ready to fly. This project tackled the development of a low TRL prototype 500 W plasma supply which will enable KSC’s plasma-based ISRU related technologies to be demonstrated in the space environment.
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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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