High-Test Peroxide Generation System for Scalable In-Situ Monopropellant Production from Lunar Water and Oxygen

The Prometheus system is a compact, end-to-end platform for generating 90-98 wt% high-test hydrogen peroxide (HTP) directly from water and oxygen, leveraging an integrated solid electrolyte reactor and membrane concentrator. In the bench-scale design, an electrochemical cell converts water and oxygen into hydrogen peroxide without consumable additives. A hollow-fiber membrane unit then upgrades this intermediate solution to medium-high concentration levels, proving feasibility for continuous HTP production. At a pilot scale of 1,000 kg/year HTP output, the reactor stack and membrane system would operate continuously at low power, positioning the approach as both energy-efficient and readily scalable for Lunar or Martian propellant production. Funding from this proposal will be used to demonstrate feasibility through a bench-scale prototype, conduct detailed safety analyses, and refine scaling strategies to reach pilot-plant output. The design emphasizes modularity, minimal moving parts, and low maintenance, making it suitable for austere environments such as the Moon and Mars, where water and oxygen can be extracted from icy regolith or metal oxide reduction. By eliminating the need for terrestrial transport of bulky or hazardous propellants, Prometheus directly supports NASA’s in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) objectives. Beyond space applications, the system also targets terrestrial markets (e.g., launch pads seeking on-demand high-test peroxide, or industries such as paper milling needing a flexible, safer supply of HTP). This dual commercial focus underpins a robust business strategy with near-term terrestrial revenue potential and long-term viability in the evolving cislunar economy.

By using only water and oxygen—available from lunar ice or Martian regolith reduction—the Prometheus system reduces reliance on Earth-based resupply, offers a storable, high-density propellant, and supports extended human and robotic operations on the Moon, Mars, and other destinations. Prometheus will support NASA’s short and long term goals for SBIR Phase I, II, III and beyond, fitting within the scope of providing analysis and a full prototype by the end of a Phase II effort, and commercialization through Phase III and future work. This Phase I ​​will produce models and a subscale demonstration of peroxide production and partial concentration, reaching TRL 4. A Phase II effort will reach TRL 5 or higher, producing a continuous functional HTP production prototype at a relevant scale. Prometheus addresses the following NASA Moon to Mars objectives: LI-7L: Demonstrate industrial scale ISRU capabilities in support of continuous human lunar presence and a robust lunar economy. LI-8L: Demonstrate technologies supporting cislunar orbital/surface depots, construction and manufacturing maximizing the use of in-situ resources, and support systems needed for continuous human/robotic presence. OP-11LM: Demonstrate the capability to use commodities produced from planetary surface or in-space resources to reduce the mass required to be transported from Earth. OP-12LM: Establish procedures and systems that will minimize the disturbance to the local environment, maximize the resources available to future explorers, and allow for reuse/recycling of material transported from Earth (and from the lunar surface in the case of Mars) to be used during exploration. Beyond NASA missions, Prometheus unlocks broad commercial opportunities for safe, reliable, high-purity HTP. Today, a few large chemical companies dominate HTP, limiting availability and price competition. As a result, customers—from small launch providers to industrial processors—must rely on specialized facilities or endure long lead times, leading to vendor lock and high logistical overhead. The Prometheus on-demand peroxide generation system eliminates bulk transport and costly storage by enabling on-site production. Industries like pulp and paper, textiles, and advanced materials depend on oxidizers for bleaching and sterilization, often requiring large, timely peroxide volumes. Producing peroxide at concentrations from 0% to 98%+, the system cuts shipping costs, reduces handling risks, and ensures a stable supply. The same benefits extend to smaller space launch outfits needing HTP monopropellant/oxidizer but lacking resources or approval for large imports. The solid electrolyte reactor and membrane concentrator avoid complex chemical processes like the anthraquinone loop, reducing capital investment, facility size, and operational complexity. Scaling production is as simple as adding modules, and fewer hazardous byproducts ease environmental compliance. These advantages make the Prometheus solution ideal for industries prioritizing sustainability, rapid manufacturing, and decentralized production. Overall, Prometheus delivers a flexible, eco-friendly approach to HTP generation, challenging incumbents and enabling new commercial applications beyond NASA.

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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