NLV Upper Stage Development and Flight Testing

Our Phase I results include a preliminary design for an advanced nanosat launch vehicle (NLV) upper stage that features several advanced propulsion technologies, as well as extensive empirical data from a series of pathfinding operations conducted at both the Pacific Spaceport Complex - Alaska on Kodiak Island and the Poker Flat Research Range. For Phase II, we are taking major steps, such as building a prototype upper stage, static fire testing it, and conducting another round of pathfinding operations at Kodiak in pursuit of an opportunity to manifest such a prototype stage on a suborbital flight test. Key technologies include LOX/densified propylene propulsion system, liquid rocket engine featuring a 3D additively manufactured injector, pyro-free mechanisms, and use of elements of NASA's Autonomous Flight Termination Unit. Our RI - University of Alaska Fairbanks - will continue to support the evaluation of UAS utilization for range services like telemetry acquisition.

CubeSat Launch Initiative (CLI, Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) University-Class Explorer missions Small Explorer missions Interplanetary CubeSat Missions Flight Opportunities program Venture Class launch services microgravity payload delivery and return missions

commercial imaging constellation systems: Planet Labs, Google / Skybox Imaging / Terra Bella; Spire, NSF, DOD Space Test Program. Office of Operationally Responsive Space, NRO, DARPA's XS-1 Experimental Spaceplane.

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.

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