100-lbf Non-Toxic Storable Liquid Propulsion

NASA's Road Maps for both Launch and In Space Propulsion call for the development of non-toxic, monopropellant reaction control systems to replace current state-of-art hydrazine. The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle capsule with twelve 160 pound force (lbf) hydrazine monopropellant thrusters and the Orion Service Module with eight 100lbf NTO/MMH auxiliary propulsion thrusters are obvious insertion candidates. Additionally, the Commercial Crew and Cargo spacecraft have also demonstrated the need for 100lbf class attitude control thrusters with quantities comparable to Orion. Hydrazine replacements, including HAN- and ADN-monopropellants, combust at higher temperatures making them incompatible with current Inconel 625 thrusters used in 100lbf engines. In addition, Orion MPCV models indicate when current thrusters are fired during re-entry, the extra thermal loads of re-entry may exceed the operating envelope of Inconel. In support of NASA's goal to replace hydrazine and the need for higher performance 100lbf class engines, Plasma Processes proposes to design, fabricate and test a 100lbf thruster with emphasis on non-toxic propellant, increased performance, ease of manufacturing and cost reduction.

NASA applications include reaction control thrusters for the Orion MPCV capsule and service module; 100lbf thrusters in support of Commercial Crew and Cargo spacecraft; Reaction Control Systems for Space Launch System

Non-NASA applications include Commercial Access to Space programs including the lift/space craft programs for SpaceX Falcon/Dragon and Orbital Antares/Cygnus; Satellite insertion and positioning; and tactical missile divert and attitude control.

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.

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