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Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 6)
This project's main objective is to develop a seat and poppet design that allows for self center of the poppet head while maintaining the necessary contact stresses for a reliable and tight shutoff. This objective is accomplished through two major phases: (1) an in-house government development of the seat and poppet design, including testing for at least TRL 4 achievement, and (2) a competitive procurement of a high-fidelity prototype valve from a commercial partner which will enable a future test campaign to bring the low-leakage valve design to TRL 6 with the exception of the electromechanical actuator.
Low leakage valve technology is a critical requirement for long duration cryogenic fluid storage systems and efficient cryogenic transfer.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.