{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":5397,"title":"Expandable Cryogenic Tankage for On Orbit Depot Storage, Phase I","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10925,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10923,"level":3,"code":"TX14.1.2","title":"Launch Vehicle Propellant","definition":"Launch vehicle propellant technologies include all propellant handling aspects for both the vehicle and its payload while on the pad and during the ascent and on-orbit deployment phases. This subcategory includes technologies relevant to commercial launch industry enabling growth to support NASA Earth-to-orbit needs for cargo, science, and crew.","exampleTechnologies":"Tank/line insulation suitable for atmospheric conditions/ survive ascent environment; composite structures and components and lines for cryogenic application; propellant stratification and management; ascent/staging slosh/ullage collapse/geysering management; vehicle feedline chill and operation; instrumentation/mass gauging to track propellant inventory; autogenous and helium pressurization systems for cryogenic propellants; settled cryogenic fluid operations; quick disconnects (vehicle and payloads)","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"description":"The proposed expandable depot storage tanks would make it possible to have an on-orbit tank larger in volume than any existing or planned launch vehicles. The size of the tank would be diameter limited by the launch vehicle, but not limited in length. It would take several additional launches to fill the depot tank for use. Because of the light load on launch the inner tank support system could be much lighter and less conductive than that required for loaded tanks and thus have low thermal loads for the final tank configuration. The tank could be fully assembled before launch which would greatly reduce on-orbit problems. Materials can be selected to give optimal configurations with different cryogenic fluids. The entire tank could be configured to have a zero loss rate by the use of cryogenic reliquefier(s). Protection against micrometeorites and monatomic oxygen would be built into the outer surface of the tanks. The inflatable storage tanks will have many additional military and commercial applications in space in the arena of storing large quantities of fluid for laser fuel, space tugs and long duration space flight. The primary use will be in cases where the required fluid volume is greater than can be achieved with a single launch vehicle.","startYear":2005,"startMonth":1,"endYear":2005,"endMonth":7,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":175576,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Harold","lastName":"Gier","fullName":"Harold Gier","fullNameInverted":"Gier, Harold","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[],"transitions":[],"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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