Radio Frequency (RF) Gauging of the Liquid Oxygen Tank on suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle (sRLV) Testing

This technology is an evolution from Technology #7: Radio Frequency Mass Gauge on Parabolic Flights. Here, the objective is to gauge the liquid oxygen tank of the Masten Space Systems Xaero suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle (sRLV) by installing an antenna inside the tank and collecting data with RFMG electronics mounted in the payload area during the sRLV flight. After the flight, the RF gauging data will be compared to Masten's own measurement or estimate of liquid quantity during the flight. A minimum of one flight test is requested, but prefer to fly on as many subsequent flights as possible to gain a maximum return on investment.

The ability to gauge the amount of propellant in fuel tanks in low-gravity is a critical technology, as it is the only way to verify the propellant quantity without having to settle the liquid via a propulsive maneuver. This technology will benefit the commercial space industry and future NASA missions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.