Intermediate Temperature Fluids for Heat Pipes and Loop Heat Pipes, Phase I

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop heat pipe and loop heat pipe (LHP) working fluids for what is known as the intermediate temperature range, from roughly 500 K to 700 K. Currently, there are no working fluids in this range that can be used in NASA applications, due in part to unknown physical properties and insufficient life test data. The overall objective of the proposed Phase I and Phase II programs is to validate one or more fluids for use in the intermediate temperature range. This will include life tests, determination of the physical property data required to design heat pipes and LHPs in this temperature range, and the design, fabrication, and testing of suitable heat pipes and/or LHPs.

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.