Development and Flight-Testing of a High-Performance Electric-Pump Fed Launch Vehicle

Ventions, LLC is proposing use of a liquid-bipropellant (LOX / RP-1), electric-pump fed, 2-stage launch vehicle for low-cost and on-demand ground launch of small payloads initially in the 20-40kg size class (and ultimately up to 100kg) to 250-750km low earth orbits. The proposed launch vehicle uses components matured over 10+ years under DARPA and NASA funded projects, and is realized by a small entrepreneurial team using several key technologies such as regeneratively-cooled, electric-pump fed engines, low-cost and high-performance avionics, lightweight metal tanks, and a host of other custom valves and plumbing components critical for enabling high propellant mass fraction stages at the relevant size class. The proposing team is uniquely positioned to execute and successfully deliver on such a capability based on DARPA and NASA sponsored investment into key enabling technologies and processes for a smaller "pathfinder" launch vehicle. Specifically, as part of DARPA's SALVO (Small Air-Launched Vehicle to Orbit) and ALASA (Airborne Launch Assist Space Access) programs, Ventions has already developed and ground / flight-tested many of the core building blocks necessary for the larger launch vehicle proposed herein, and gained operational experience working with several launch ranges including the Reagan Test Site in Kwajalein, the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral, and NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Additionally, the proposed effort will leverage significant private capital to supplement NASA funds and complete all elements building up to a flight demonstration, including design, component fabrication / assembly / integration, and finally, stage-level ground testing prior to the orbital launch attempt. Successful demonstration of the proposed capability is not only expected to accelerate the development of commercial capabilities to enable frequent launch of small spacecraft to LEO at a cost per kilogram of payload much lower than currently available, but will also serve key government / military needs of a variety of NASA and OGA customers including SMDC, NRO, SOCOM, ORS and DARPA.

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — 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.