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Dragon V2 Propellant Management Device (PMD) Microgravity Testing

Completed TRL 7 (started at 5, targeting 7)

Description

The propellant tanks designed and built by SpaceX for the crewed Dragon V2 spacecraft utilize a propellant management device (PMD) that would greatly benefit from validation, through parabolic testing, of its performance in delivering single phase liquid flow from the tank outlet in microgravity environments.

Benefits

The propellant management device tested on parabolic flight will directly benefit SpaceX Dragon V2 development designed to bring astronauts and cargo to the ISS.

Details

Technology areaPropulsion Systems > Chemical Space Propulsion > Integrated Systems and Ancillary Technologies
ProgramFlight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organizationSpace Exploration Technologies Corporation
Start date2014-07-14
End date2017-07-14

Project contacts

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

How to get involved

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.