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Lower the Cost and Complexity of In-Space Propulsion and Transport
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Description
Approach is to develop a rotary style path selector for a single valve that can feed an array of 8 thrusters. The system will be demonstated on the MSFC flat floor.
Benefits
Arrays of valves are high mass and volume; an issue for SmallSats especially. This work benefits the small spacecraft community but reducing valve count, volume, and mass in future propulsion systems.
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Detectors and Focal Planes |
| 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
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.