Carbon Utilization Technology for Lunar and Atmospheric Systems (CUTLAS)

Completed TRL 5 (started at 2, targeting 5)

Description

This project will develop key components for the Bosch reaction system for both IRSU (lunar/martian) and terrestrial applications. We will partner with pH Matter to design and fabricate the carbon formation reactor (CFR), which is one of two critcal reactors for the system. We intend to create a system model, develop three key technologies (CO2 acquisition system, carbon removal device, and reactor heating system), and have integration testing between critical components.

Benefits

This technology can help enable human exploration to the Moon and Mars by producing critical resources. Additionally, this technology can capture carbon from the atmosphere on Earth, potentially reducing the growing impact of climate change.

Details

Technology area	Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Processing for Production of Mission Consumables
Program	Early Career Initiative (ECI)
Lead organization	Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Start date	2022-10-03
End date	2024-09-29

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Beau M Compton — beau.m.compton@nasa.gov
Caroline S Holmes — caroline.s.holmes@nasa.gov
Jackson R Stewart — jackson.r.stewart@nasa.gov
Timothy J Giesy — timothy.j.giesy@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.

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.