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100-lbf Non-Toxic Storable Liquid Propulsion
Completed
TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)
Description
NASA's Road Maps for both Launch and In Space Propulsion call for the development of non-toxic, monopropellant reaction control systems to replace the current toxic hydrazine based systems. The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle capsule with twelve 160 pound force (lbf) hydrazine monopropellant thrusters and the Orion Service Module with eight 100lbf NTO/MMH auxiliary propulsion thrusters are obvious insertion candidates. Additionally, the Commercial Crew and Cargo spacecraft have also demonstrated the need for 100lbf class attitude control thrusters with quantities comparable to Orion. Hydrazine replacements, including non-toxic HAN- and ADN-monopropellants, combust at higher temperatures making them incompatible with current Inconel 625 thrusters used in 100lbf engines. With an emphasis on hydrazine replacement increased performance, ease of manufacturing and cost reduction, a "green" 100lbf flight-weight thruster is being developed.
Benefits
NASA applications include reaction control thrusters for the Orion MPCV capsule and service module; 100lbf thrusters in support of Commercial Crew and Cargo spacecraft; Reaction Control Systems for Space Launch System
Non-NASA applications include Commercial Access to Space programs including the lift/space craft programs for SpaceX Falcon/Dragon and Orbital Antares/Cygnus; Satellite insertion and positioning; tactical missile divert and attitude control; auxiliary power generators; and jet engine restarters.
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems > Chemical Space Propulsion > Earth Storable Propellants |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Plasma Processes, LLC, Huntsville, AL |
| Start date | 2015-05-19 |
| End date | 2017-10-24 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
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.