Low Cost Hybrid Rocket Orbital Transfer Stage

Parabilis Space Technologies is pleased to propose the development of a high-performance hybrid rocket stage suitable for both small spacecraft maneuvering and for trans-lunar orbit injection in response to solicitation Z8.09, Small Spacecraft Transfer Stage Development. This effort leverages previous successful NASA-funded R&D at Parabilis for a “NanoLaunch” hybrid upper stage and the design of an appropriately scaled-up hybrid motor. The proposed stage is economical, non-toxic, non-cryogenic, restartable, and compatible with multiple “venture-class” launch vehicles. The stage will be offered in two sizes, one of which will be capable of delivering 25 kg payloads into translunar trajectories when launched abord a rocket-lab electron vehicle. A larger “grande” stage will be capable of injecting 60 kg payloads into translunar trajectories when launched aboard a Virgin Orbit LauncherOne, Firefly Aerospace Alpha, or Relativity Space Terran 1. There also a clear path to the creation of larger stages that maximize the payload capacity of Terran 1 or ABL’s RS1. During Phase I, Parabilis will design, manufacture, and hot flow test a relevant scale prototype motor, significantly burning down both technical risk and the effort required for flight-like prototypes which will be tested in a subsequent Phase II effort. This development effort leverages a design from a previous NASA SBIR. This approach will rapidly and substantively reduce risk for further Phase II development.

The proposed innovation is ideal for low-cost delivery of small payloads into a translunar trajectory. This will serve NASA’s lunar missions including Lunar Gateway. Parabilis will design systems compatible with a wide range of venture class launch vehicles. The proposed hybrid propulsion technology can also address other NASA needs such as an upper stage and an ascent vehicle for lunar or interplanetary sample return missions.

Low-cost propulsion technology, like the proposed stage, is of direct interest to the US Air Force in at least two areas: lowering the cost of hypersonic flight testing and lowering the cost of satellite maneuvering. The market for in-space maneuvering also includes civil and commercial remote sensing, commercial communications, and interplanetary scientific customers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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