Advanced Hybrid Stage

The proposed technology builds off GTL's advanced solid ramjet fuel. The method uses additive manufacturing methods to produce an innovative new type of fuel grain that regresses quickly and has a high Isp and combustion efficiency. With this technology, the performance of a liquid rocket engine can be had with a hybrid rocket system. This technology allows for a simple, low cost, high performance stage that is well suited for a nano-sat vehicle. Reducing complexity and parts count serves to decrease cost and increase reliability.

High performance solid fuels are important in hybrid rocket engines. Hybrids have been selected for low cost manned sub-orbital missions due to their relative safety. A high performance hybrid engine would be of great use to manned missions as well as low-cost launch solutions. Reducing the parts count and complexity will provide significant advantages for low cost launch solutions of nanosat payloads.

The technology of enhanced fuel grains was developed in response to a Navy need for high performance air-breathing ramjets. This proposal seeks to apply the same technology to hybrid rocket engines which are similar in nature. This technology will impact the development of low cost launch vehicles by providing a high performance and simple alternative to more complex and costly systems such as liquid rocket engines.

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.