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Elevated Temperature Irradiation Testing of Cermet Fuels for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Description
A new process if ion irradiation testing will be used. New method does not use neutron radiation so materials will not be radioactive post testing, and allow for post test material characterization at standard facilities (i.e. at MSFC).
Benefits
Irradiation data for NTP materials is limited, and standard testing is costly. Standard testing produces radioactive materials with limited options for post-test mechanical property characterization.
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems > Advanced Propulsion > Nuclear Thermal Propulsion |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL |
| Start date | 2018-10-01 |
| End date | 2019-09-30 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
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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