Power on the Dark Side: Stimulus-Responsive Adsorbents for Low-Energy Controlled Storage and Delivery of Low Boiling Fuels to Mobile Assets in Permanently Shaded Regions

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) powered by oxygen and methane represent a promising technology for providing sustainable and long-duration power to both mobile and stationary assets in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) on the Lunar and Martian surface. However, the storage, transport, and delivery of the necessary quantifies of these low-boiling fuels to achieve desired power durations requires intensive, heavy physical infrastructure. In response, we will study, develop, and deliver synthetic porous materials capable of both: (i) long-duration storage of large quantities of oxygen and methane under milder conditions with lighter infrastructure, and (ii) on-demand delivery of the payloads to SOFCs in PSRs with highly controlled capacities, pressures, rates, and minimal energy input

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.