Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion System (SSEP)

NASA is developing a suite of sub-kW electric propulsion (EP) technologies, which are being successfully licensed to U.S. industry through non-exclusive, no-cost agreements.​ The technologies are being demonstrated with the fabrication of an engineering model integrated system (thruster, PPU, and flow controller), which provides our commercial partners with the documentation necessary to reliably produce an initial embodiment. This embodiment is appropriate for small spacecraft (200 - 500 kg s/c) missions to the moon, Mars, or beyond.

• Strengthen the domestic small spacecraft EP industrial base and lower cost of EP.
• Disseminate knowledge using one embodiment of the SSEP technology (H71M) while supporting industry with their own embodiments to address a spectrum of needs
• Partner with US industry to identify and solve the most widespread sub-kW EP design, test and manufacturing challenges
• Patent new technologies and processes to ensure availability to US industrial base
• Disseminate knowledge through licensing, SAAs, data agreements and open literature
• Provide training to industry partners on design and processes

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.