Microbes Eating Rocket Propellant Hypergols (MERPHs)

Microbes will be attempted on proprietary green propellants. Evaluation and selection of optimal microbial media will be determined. Alteration of microbial candidates may be implemented to increase conversion rates and production of alternative-use products. Successful conversion of fuel to non-explosive compounds will be determined by classical assay analysis techniques already performed per GPIM fuel specifications. Success is measured by the chemical analysis showing no more of the fuel molecules to be present in their previous form. Current industrial methods utilize mere water dilution upon immediate release, but that can lead to expensive environmental clean-ups, and even if captured, costly industrial wastewater permits and monitoring, routine sampling and analysis have to be conducted. Other typical costly disposal includes detonation events with other unexploded ordnance at facilities permitted to do so or reactive hazardous waste disposal to out-of-state treatment facilities. Future NASA Missions that would benefit are any that would use green propellants, i.e., near-term: Lunar Flashlight Propulsion System (LFPS); future: others… NASA would benefit from having a propellant conversion technology that eliminates the immediate hazards to personnel. The DoD (initially Air Force), Commercial Space employing green propellants, and any National organization employing same would derive benefit from use of the technology.

Determine safe handling methodology for "Green Propulsion" alternative rocket fuels (alternatives to hydrazine and other hypergols) in such situations as spills, off-spec fuels, and emergency situations; developing and testing a new, unique microbial process to chemically alter the explosive molecules, rather then temporary dilution. Current State of the Art (SOA) technology methods attempted or involved use either chemical neutralization or simple dilution with water. Both of which result in undesirable situations: chemical neutralization releases toxic gases or creates reversible reactions where the explosive can be regenerated; water dilution eventually reverts back to an explosive hazard with the evaporation of the water.

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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