Saturated Fluid Pistonless Pump Technology Demonstrator

The objective of this project is to transform the challenging field of both in-space and launch vehicle liquid rocket propellant transfer by increasing the technology readiness level of pistonless pump technology. A high pressure liquid pump that can start reliably after years in space, and pump propellant that may have become saturated with pressurant, is game changing technology that can enable future deep space and interplanetary missions. Furthermore, a pump that can operate nominally and repeatedly in high vibration and high g-force environments, such as the rocket boost phase of a commercial suborbital vehicle, presents an opportunity to increase safety and reliability for these ventures.

This pistonless pump technology allows for pressurizing and pumping rocket propellants without using rotating machinery or physical pistons, increasing the reliability of rocket engine systems, benefitting in-space and launch vehicles from the commercial space industry and future NASA 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.

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