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In-Situ Electrochemical Production of Propellants from Martian Resources
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
We propose to capture CO2 using task-specific Ionic Liquid (IL) and electrolyze with water in the same 'pot' to yield Methane and Oxygen for propulsion.
Benefits
Four fewer processing steps, about 50% less mass, about 23% lower energy. It is estimated that in situ propellant production can save about 30 metric tons of landed mass as well as breathing oxygen for life support. Potential future funding from STMD, AES, DOE
Details
| Technology area | Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Processing for Production of Mission Consumables |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL |
| Start date | 2015-10-01 |
| End date | 2016-09-30 |
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 3) — 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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