High-Efficiency, Reliable Electrical Subsystems for Cryogenic Pumps

Beacon Industries Inc. proposes a high-efficiency motor drive and control system designed to improve the performance and reliability of cryogenic pumps used in deep-space and planetary exploration. The system combines a superconducting motor drive using ReBCO-based coils with Ga₂O₃-based high-frequency switching devices and an advanced field-oriented control (FOC) system. The superconducting motor eliminates resistive losses at cryogenic temperatures, reducing power consumption and increasing efficiency. Ga₂O₃-based transistors provide faster and more efficient power modulation, improving load response and reducing switching losses. The FOC system dynamically adjusts motor speed and torque based on real-time load changes, ensuring stable performance even under extreme conditions. This solution is designed for use in NASA’s lunar and Martian surface operations, the Lunar Gateway, and deep-space transport missions. The proposed technology will reduce operational costs, increase system lifespan, and improve reliability in harsh space environments.

• Lunar Gateway: Cryogenic pump system for propellant transfer and life support fluid management in NASA’s planned lunar orbital platform. • Artemis Program: Cryogenic fluid handling for surface refueling stations and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) infrastructure on the Moon. • Deep Space Transport: Cryogenic propulsion system for long-duration missions to Mars and beyond, requiring efficient fluid transfer and storage. • International Space Station (ISS): Autonomous cryogenic fluid transfer for station resupply and life support system maintenance. • Mars Surface Operations: Cryogenic fluid management for propellant storage and refueling stations on Mars, supporting long-term surface missions. • Commercial Space Industry: Cryogenic propellant handling for reusable rocket systems and orbital refueling stations (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin). • Satellite Propulsion: Cryogenic pump systems for orbital satellite refueling and propulsion systems. • Defense and Military: Cryogenic fuel handling for missile systems and Advanced Propulsion platforms. • Hydrogen Infrastructure: Cryogenic hydrogen storage and transfer for commercial aviation and ground-based fueling stations. • Oil and Gas Industry: High-efficiency cryogenic fluid management for LNG (liquefied natural gas) transportation and processing.

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.