Refractory Advanced Power, Propulsion, and Thermal Management for Outpost Resilience (RAPPTOR)

The purpose of the RAPPTOR task is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of advanced refractory alloy components and unique solutions such as metallic aerogels to support critical power conversion systems and extreme environment propulsion applications. Specifically, this project aims to provide high-temperature materials with properties well beyond conventional superalloys, targeting operating temperatures up to 1700 K. This capability is critical for enabling Fission Surface Power (FSP) systems, as well as Mars descent and ascent stage rocket nozzles that utilize hypergolic fuels, and Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) nozzles. By enabling higher operating temperatures, these advanced refractory alloys will contribute to significantly increased system efficiency and power output. This project will develop new refractory alloy compositions. The primary work elements include small-scale atomization trials, and the additive manufacturing and testing of new alloy compositions tailored for both surface power systems and propulsion nozzles. MSFC will provide additive manufacturing capabilities for refractory alloys, specifically utilizing their ultrasonic atomization processing equipment to accelerate small-scale production. GRC will leverage extensive expertise in powder characterization and high-temperature materials and state-of-the-art facilities for materials characterization and testing. The integrated GRC and MSFC team will manufacture subcomponent test articles, such as material coupons and small-scale nozzle geometries, evaluating them for mechanical properties and durability under simulated extreme operating conditions. The final phase of this task will establish a clear pathway for future technology infusion by framing the necessary forward work required to partner with commercial powder vendors to scale up the production of these custom refractory metal feedstocks into larger lots.

The purpose of the RAPPTOR task is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of advanced refractory alloy components and unique solutions such as metallic aerogels to support critical power conversion systems and extreme environment propulsion applications. Specifically, this project aims to provide high-temperature materials with properties well beyond conventional superalloys, targeting operating temperatures up to 1700 K. This capability is critical for enabling Fission Surface Power (FSP) systems, as well as Mars descent and ascent stage rocket nozzles that utilize hypergolic fuels, and Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) nozzles. By enabling higher operating temperatures, these advanced refractory alloys will contribute to significantly increased system efficiency and power output. This project will develop new refractory alloy compositions. The primary work elements include small-scale atomization trials, and the additive manufacturing and testing of new alloy compositions tailored for both surface power systems and propulsion nozzles. MSFC will provide additive manufacturing capabilities for refractory alloys, specifically utilizing their ultrasonic atomization processing equipment to accelerate small-scale production. GRC will leverage extensive expertise in powder characterization and high-temperature materials and state-of-the-art facilities for materials characterization and testing. The integrated GRC and MSFC team will manufacture subcomponent test articles, such as material coupons and small-scale nozzle geometries, evaluating them for mechanical properties and durability under simulated extreme operating conditions. The final phase of this task will establish a clear pathway for future technology infusion by framing the necessary forward work required to partner with commercial powder vendors to scale up the production of these custom refractory metal feedstocks into larger lots.

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.