Mixed Gas Generator for Inflatable Decelerators

Deployable aerodynamic decelerators are an enabling technology for missions to planets and moons with atmospheres as well as for returning payloads to Earth. These decelerators require a gas source for inflation, and the objective is to develop a noncombustible gas generator which will enable a wider range of applications, including near-term commercial applications, in the Earth environment. Anasphere has experience developing pyrotechnic gas generators for hydrogen and other gases, but to date all have used a similar design. Here, Anasphere will apply its experience to an all-new generator design and chemistry. This new family will feature more mass-efficient cooling, single-grain construction for reliable zero-g performance, and initially will focus on producing noncombustible gas mixtures. An exceptionally high flow rate capability is a distinguishing feature of these generators. Phase I will begin with refining and testing the pyrotechnic grain composition. Sample grains will then be fabricated with that composition and tested. Phase I will conclude with firing a small complete gas generator to demonstrate the production and cooling of a noncombustible gas mixture. Phase II work would include scaling up the new design and subjecting it to extensive environmental tests. Target markets include HIADs used for launch vehicle asset return and payload return from Earth orbit. Inflatable aerodynamic decelerators enable missions to planets and moons with atmospheres as well as the return of payloads to Earth. Gas generators are a safe inflation method because they avoid the storage of compressed gas. Anasphere has experience developing pyrotechnic gas generators for hydrogen and other gases, but to date all have used a similar design. Here, Anasphere will apply its experience to an all-new generator design and chemistry. This new family will feature more mass-efficient cooling, single-grain construction for reliable zero-g performance, and initially will focus on producing noncombustible gas mixtures. An exceptionally high flow rate capability is a distinguishing feature of these generators. A mass efficiency of 300-1000 standard liters per kilogram of generator mass is needed to be useful, and that is readily achieved with hydrogen. The new generator will be in the range of 390-430 standard liters per kilogram, which not only meets the target range but is notable for being achieved with a noncombustible, nontoxic gas mixture.

The primary NASA application will be Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs) as planned for use on missions to planets and moons with atmospheres as well as returning payloads to Earth.             Low-cost access to space will be enabled by HIAD systems which apply this generator technology because HIADs offer a practical means of recovering launch vehicle components such as engines.  Commercial space ventures can also apply HIAD technology for the more efficient return of material to Earth. 

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.

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