{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":5789,"title":"Superpressure Tow Balloon for Extending Durations and Modifying Trajectories of High Altitude Balloon Systems, Phase I","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10924,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10923,"level":3,"code":"TX14.1.1","title":"In-space Propellant Storage & Utilization","definition":"In-space propellant storage & utilization technologies aim to extend cryogenic storage duration from hours to years and develop fluid management technologies to control, transfer, and utilize cryogenic propellants. These technologies enable a broad range of missions including but not limited to landers, ascent stages, in-space transfer vehicles, habitats, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) operations and encompasses both in-space or extraterrestrial destination surface environments.","exampleTechnologies":"Vacuum and partial vacuum insulation systems; low conductive heat-load structure; solar shields applications to limit insulation exposure; cryocoolers and integration for reduced/zero boil-off of propellants and provide liquefaction; micro-g fluid dynamics (2-phase transport, surface wetting, surface tension, evaporation/condensation); propellant acquisition/management devices (surface tension devices); instrumentation/mass gauging in micro-g conditions; pressurization and pressure control (passive/active) and propellant mixing/destratification; propellant systems/hardware chill-down; low leakage, multi-use isolation valves; propellant transfer for stages, ISRU, other applications; propellant slosh dynamics; liquefaction for ISRU and other applications; heat rejection (cryocoolers or thermodynamic vents, other systems); valves, actuators and components","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"description":"The proposed innovation involves the concept of using a Superpressure Tow Balloon (STB) with existing NASA high altitude balloon designs to form a tandem balloon system that provides significantly higher performance at a relatively low cost. Performance improvements include: longer durations, higher altitudes and greater stability, larger payload percentages, improved trajectory control, and more operational flexibility. The STB and related technology specifically addresses the need for balloon design concepts for long duration missions which can provide: reduced material strength requirements; increased reliability; enhanced performance; reduced manufacturing time; reduced manufacturing cost; and improved mission flexibility. In addition, a STB offers a realistic opportunity for low cost trajectory control by providing effective vertical maneuvering which can strongly influence the horizontal latitude of the balloon's flight path.","startYear":2005,"startMonth":1,"endYear":2005,"endMonth":7,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":469647,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Timothy","lastName":"Lachenmeier","fullName":"Timothy Lachenmeier","fullNameInverted":"Lachenmeier, Timothy","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
","programId":73,"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"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36648,"title":"Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer"},"leadOrganization":{"acronym":"GSFC","canUserEdit":false,"city":"Greenbelt","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4947,"organizationName":"Goddard Space Flight Center","organizationType":"NASA_Center","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"MD","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Maryland","stateTerritoryId":3},"stateTerritoryId":3,"naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Center"},"supportingOrganizations":[{"canUserEdit":false,"city":"Tillamook","congressionalDistrict":"Oregon 01","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":true,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":3497,"organizationName":"Near Space Corporation","organizationType":"Industry","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"OR","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Oregon","stateTerritoryId":50},"stateTerritoryId":50,"msiData":{},"setAsideData":["Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones)"],"ein":"271593403 ","dunsNumber":"015605850","uei":"DPLPQNTEK7W7","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"Industry"}],"statesWithWork":[{"abbreviation":"MD","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Maryland","stateTerritoryId":3},{"abbreviation":"OR","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Oregon","stateTerritoryId":50}],"lastUpdated":"2018-10-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":392,"endDateString":"Jul 2005","startDateString":"Jan 2005"}}