SOFC Test Capability for Mars Applications (SOFC TEST-TASK)

This task restores NASA's capability to test Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) stack "components" for Mars missions by modifying the methane (CH4) / air SOFC test facility at NASA Glenn Research Center to test developmental CH4 / O2 SOFCs.   This is a separate capability from the Energy Systems Test Area (ESTA) at JSC which is focused on systems testing. Given the energy requirements for maintaining cryogenic hydrogen, Mars mission planners have emphasized using CH4 and LOX as the propellant for Mars Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL). Using the same propellants for generating electrical power necessitates using the high temperature SOFC technology that internally reforms the CH4 into CO and H2 fuel enabling the fuel cell electrochemical reaction. Mars atmosphere does not contain a sufficient oxygen partial pressure to support the electrochemical power generation reaction, so Mars missions require using pure oxygen from propellants. No commercial SOFC currently exists which meets Mars mission requirements as commercial and industrial SOFCs use ambient air to provide the oxidizer for the power generation reaction inside a SOFC stack. Thus, a development activity is required to ensure that NASA has the SOFC technology needed to produce electrical power on the Mars surface in a mass-efficient manner.This task contains three sub-tasks: (1) facility test equipment, (2) test stand modification, and (3) test capability verification. The existing test facility requires new test equipment to safely manage and provide pure oxygen gases to the SOFC test stand. A fuel cell test capability assessment identified modifying the existing FuelCon (HORIBA) test stand to safely condition and deliver pure oxygen to the solid oxide fuel cell test article as the lowest programmatic risk for restoring NASA with this test capability. The final sub-task is to conduct a verification test to demonstrate that the test capability meets NASA's requirements for advancing SOFC technology for Mars missions.

​​Restores the capability to test SOFC components for Mars applications at the component level which does not currently exist.A verification test will demonstrate that the test capability meets NASA's requirements for advancing SOFC technology for Mars missions. The verification test will support advancing the TRL of an advanced SOFC system for power generation directly from CH4/LOX propellants which allows the use of CH4 or other hydrocarbons and can be thermally balanced at steady state for minimal external thermal management.​Addresses key technology gaps of electrochemically reacting CH4 and LOX to generate electricity for space applications, specifically for Mars power and surface power needs.Mars atmosphere does not contain a sufficient oxygen partial pressure to support the electrochemical power generation reaction, so Mars missions require using pure oxygen from propellants. No commercial SOFC currently exists which meets Mars mission requirements as commercial and industrial SOFCs use ambient air to provide the oxidizer for the power generation reaction inside a SOFC stack. Thus, a development activity is required to ensure that NASA has the SOFC technology needed to produce electrical power on the Mars surface in a mass-efficient manner.​

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.