Nano Icy Moons Propellant Harvester (NIMPH)

According to the decadal study, a key component of the next 10 years of exploration will be sample return missions. However, these missions are exponentially more expensive than traditional exploration missions because they need two times the delta-V, resulting in exponential growth of its initial mass due to the rocket equations. A key to offsetting this increased cost is through in-situ resource utilization and miniaturization. The NIMPH project develops a micro-ISRU system for producing LOX and LH2 for return propellant. The system takes advantage of developments in the cubesat arena to reduce the dry mass of the ISRU system by 90% compared to current systems. This will allow missions to refuel at their destinations, such as Europa, Mars and the Lunar poles, drastically reducing the size and cost of the mission.

The NIMPH project develops a micro-ISRU system for producing LOX and LH2 for return propellant. The system takes advantage of developments in the cubesat arena to reduce the dry mass of the ISRU system by 90% compared to current systems. This will allow missions to refuel at their destinations, such as Europa, Mars and the Lunar poles, drastically reducing the size and cost of the mission.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.

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