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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
The goal of this project is to design and test subscale magnetic nozzles for plasma deflection. The end application of this research and technology is for fusion propulsion system such as the Pulsed Fission-Fusion (PuFF) concept currently being studied at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This technology falls under the solicitation topic of Innovative/Advanced Propulsion Systems Technologies, and the 2015 NASA Technology Roadmap TA 2.3.3 Fusion Propulsion. The deflection magnetic nozzle technology is currently at TRL 1 with theory of operation known but no known functioning design or demonstrated performance.
The most obvious partnership would be continued work with NASA to direct the research and development of the deflection nozzle towards the PuFF concept for which such a plasma deflection nozzle is needed. We will also pursue funding and collaboration with other federal agencies with interest in high energy magnetic plasma deflection such as DOE, NSF, and AFOSR. A partnership with The Boeing Company which also has interest in the PuFF concept would be beneficial for eventual production of a large scale nozzle.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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