ORGANIC SOLIDS REDUCTION AND ODOR CONTROL, Phase I

We will rigorously document the mechanisms by which the OrTec biocatalyst can help solve the most pressing waste-management problems for the next-generation of long-term manned space missions. Based on preliminary results, integrating the OrTec biocatalyst into a biological treatment and recovery system could dramatically reduce the amount of required mass, power, volume, and crew time devoted to managing organic solids. At the same time, it can improve safety, reliability, and resource recovery. In this research, we will experimentally document the degree to which the OrTec biocatalyst enhances volume reduction, stabilization, water recovery, and odor control in the biological treatment of wet and dry solid wastes. This research will lay the foundation for research and development directed towards using the OrTec biocatalyst in the NASA space-mission environment. This research also will help advance the use of OrTec for achieving our society?s environmental and sustainability goals beyond manned space flight.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — 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.