Plasma-Jet Printing Technology for In-Space Manufacturing and In-Situ Resource Utilization

A. Title of Proposal Plasma-Jet Printing Technology for In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) B. Science-I Harish Subbaraman, Ph. D. Assistant Professor Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 Phone: (208) 426-4803 e-mail: harishsubbaraman@boisestate.edu C. Technical Summary Astronauts have access to critical supplies and life-sustaining elements inside the international space station, thanks to the regular cargo shipments from Earth. However, as humans begin to explore space farther away from home on missions lasting several months to a few years, access to essential components and commodities become increasingly difficult, making on-board generation of parts and materials, and utilization of existing resources a critical necessity. The basis of NASA’s programs, such as the In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) and the In-Space Resource Utilization (ISRU) revolve around addressing and managing these difficulties, and enabling capabilities and conditions for humans to live and work in space or on planetary surfaces. NASA Ames developed a revolutionary plasma-jet printing technology that can perform in microgravity. This technology, though not as mature as some of the other competing technologies, holds tremendous promise for simultaneously serving a range of cross-cutting areas, including but not limited to: i) in-space manufacturing, ii) sterilization of surfaces, iii) decontamination of organics, and iv) food produce treatment. Such a cross cutting technology is unique and is not feasible with its competing technologies. In this project, we aim to advance this technology through understanding the physical mechanisms of plasma jet operation and demonstrate proof of concept device applications ranging from electrical and optical communication devices surface treatments to decontamination of organics, etc. D. Mission Directorates/Centers and Research Areas of Interest • Ames Research Center (ARC) o Nanotechnology-electronics and sensors • Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) o In Space Habitation o Advanced Manufacturing o 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing/Rapid Prototyping • Kennedy Space Center (KSC) o In-Situ Resource Utilization o Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems o Food Production, Processing, and Preservation o Sustainability and Supportability • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) o Solar System Science o Human Exploration Destination Systems o Communication and Navigation • Johnson Space Center (JSC) o Wearable Tech o In-Situ Resource Utilization • Langley Research Center (LaRC) o Advanced Materials and Structural System – Advanced Manufacturing • Glenn Research Center (GRC) o Communications Technology and Development • Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) o Advanced Manufacturing o Advanced Multi-functional Systems and Structures o Additive Manufacturing Enabled Miniaturized and Optimized System Design • Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) o Physical Science Research: Antenna Technology • The Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) o Advanced manufacturing methods for space and in space o Efficient in situ resource utilization E. Areas of expertise required for research o Plasma Science & Engineering o Electrical Engineering o Materials Science and Engineering o Biochemistry

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.