High Density Hybrid Motors

The Phase I STTR project will develop an ignition system for a high density hybrid rocket motor using non-toxic, storable, ionic liquid oxidizers and high density polymer fuels. The program will also research fuel additives to boost ISP and fuel regression rate of the high density, high regression ate fuel.. This high density propulsion system resolves one of the chief drawbacks of hybrid rockets, the poor volumetric efficiency, by matching the volumetric performance of solid propellants. This STTR program will develop a non pyrotechnic electrocatalytic ignition system for the ionic liquid oxidizers that may also enable multistart operation.

This program is designed for insertion into the nanolaunch1200 luancher program, consistent with program plans for small business and university technology infusion. Hybrid rocket motors with non-toxic, storable oxidizers offer the potential for dramatic cost reduction for launch and upper stage propulsion compared to solid rocket motor and cryogenic or other bipropellant systems. For upper stage precision systems, the throttling capability enables a standard system to be deployed for greatly reduced cost. BThe green propellant system is storable and handleable without bunny suits or special precautions, such that upper stages can be preloaded and shipped using commercial transport, eliminating a significant amount of the propellant handling costs and precautions. The reduced size of the high density hybrid allows hybrid motors to be efficiently packaged, and reduce parasitic mass and cost, increasing propellant mass fraction. This program specifically uses the black brandt X nanosat launcher PSRM-30 and PSRM-120 stages as reference stages.

Successful development of a compact, green hybrid motor can reduce costs and logistics challenges for commercial space access, as well as for insensitive/inherently safe propulsion systems for national defense missile systems. A hybrid with the volumetric performance of a solid propellant, and the control and throttleability of a liquid system resolves numerous cost and performance issues in rocket propulsion systems.

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.

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.