ORSC Methane Ascent/Descent Engine Technology Development

Special Aerospace Services (SAS) is proposing a new and innovative ascent/descent engine using methane as its propellant. This engine will utilize the concepts of the Oxidizer Rich Staged Combustion (ORSC) cycle of the RD-8 to improve on performance over existing hardware. This SBIR program will leverage existing work SAS has done in conjunction with DARPA to on the RD-8 preburner to design and analyze a new engine with the benefits of the RD-8, but being able to use methane as the propellant. Additive manufacturing will be used to build the components of the engine to reduce cost and limitations in design.

NASA has the opportunity to support the development of an ascent/descent methane engine for use in exploration missions that will greatly expand the capability for the agency. Opportunities for NASA include small autonomous and rendezvous space tug engine for orbital debris removal, Mars sample ascent and descent engine, micro-lander applications, and other interplanetary missions.

Non-NASA applications include research by DARPA and other government agencies such as the U.S. Air Force. Interests may include providing an upper stage for Super Strypi, or as an application with DARPA's ALASA program. Additional Non-NASA commercial applications include micro-lander applications, orbit debris removal systems, and exploratory interplanetary missions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.