VTX HyHeat

In this project Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC) will utilize its unique vortex propulsion technology to develop a high-capacity heating system to heat hydrogen to extremely high temperature levels. The heated hydrogen is to be used for test purposes for nuclear rocket propulsion simulations and total exhaust recovery applications. Our vortex rocket propulsion system is able to reliably and repeatedly operate at very high levels of reliability and operating temperature. This has been demonstrated through a large number of tests conducted over more than a decade using many different propellant combinations and engine sizes. The ORBITEC Vortex is an ideal thermal energy source for the needed hydrogen heating application. In phase 1, two hydrogen heating system concepts (based on the vortex approach) will be analyzed. Basic breadboard systems will be constructed and tested.and evaluated. The feasibility of extended duration hot hydrogen production will be demonstrated. In phase 2/3, a larger operational system will be developed, tested, delivered, and installed at the NASA Stennis Space Center.

NASA has identified solid core nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) as an advanced propulsion concept which could provide the fastest trip times with fewer SLS launches than any other propulsion concept for human missions to Mars over variety of missions in years. The current NASA strategic space technology investment plan states NTP is a high-priority technology needed for future human exploration of Mars. The success of NTP development is dependent upon the establishment of safe environmentally acceptable test facilities and operations. The test infrastructure must include the capability to produce extended duration flows of non-nuclear hot hydrogen. Our proposed project addresses this need.

The NASA development of safe NTP space transportation systems could lead to a variety of applications. Included may be commercial ventures to Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies for resource recovery and other opportunities. In addition, the military may very well be interested in the robust performance capabilities of NTP. Also, the ability to produce extended duration hot gas flows will provide a very valuable test capability for a wide variety of industrial applications such as testing of high temperature materials/components for gas turbines and even for nuclear power generation plants.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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