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LOX-CH4 Propulsion

Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)

Description

This task was a collaboration between Blue Origin, MSFC, and JSC to develop new concepts for liquid oxygen/liquid methane and liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen propulsion systems for lunar landers capable of landing large masses on the surface of the Moon. This propulsion system could enable more cost-effective transportation architectures for use in future NASA missions. The effort concluded in 2019.

Benefits

This propulsion system could enable more cost-effective transportation architectures and increasing NASA analysis and testing capabilities for use in future NASA missions.

Details

ProgramGame Changing Development (GCD)
Lead organizationBlue Origin, LLC, Kent, WA
Start date2018-10-01
End date2019-11-15

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

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.