Carbon Nanotube Infused Launch Vehicle Structures

Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)

Description

Northrup Grumman Space Systems incorporated carbon nanotube-infused composite structures to evaluate their impact on launch vehicle structural damping during flight. The company implemented significant IR&D advancements across their launch vehicles as a resulting of this effort. The use of advanced materials, such as carbon nanotubes, have yielded thirty times improved damping. NGSS also optimized lattice geometry and enhanced analysis and test methodologies. The Minotaur IV program incorporated several developments achieved through the Tipping Point effort and is actively sharing the knowledge gained through the Tipping Point with industry at various conferences.

Benefits

Results of this two-phased approach will demonstrate the safety, robustness, and cascading benefits of CNT (carbon nanotube) technology in launch vehicles. These solicitations increase focus on collaborations with the commercial space sector that not only leverage emerging markets and capabilities to meet NASA's strategic goals, but also focus on industry needs. NASA's investments in industry partnerships can accelerate the availability of, and reduce costs for the development and infusion of, these emerging space system capabilities. While developing the technology to enable NASA's next generation of science and human exploration missions, we will grow the economy and strengthen the nation's economic competitiveness.

Details

Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Redondo Beach, CA
Start date	2017-06-01
End date	2019-07-30

Project contacts

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

Trevor J Pirtle

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.