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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
After a nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) is test fired, the engine's reactor is operated in a cool-down mode during which radioactive exhaust by-products continue to be made, yet at a much lower rate. Extended operation of a Thermal Propulsion Capture System (TPCS) where all exhaust products are totally contained will be uneconomical during that longer term cool-down phase. Instead, a Regenerative Radionuclide Adsorption and Disposal System (RRAADS) could be implemented to trap radioactive emissions. This project built and tested a small scale demonstration system to verify that development of the technology is feasible.
This effort is validating existing analytical models and enabling implementation of an operational RRAADS for the cool-down cycle of the NTR TPCS. This technology will further decrease any radioactive product releases to the environment to very low levels during the cool-down phase and provide benefit to the larger nuclear power industry as well.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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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