{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":8332,"title":"Lightweight, Cost Effective LOX Compatible Aerogel Insulation Material for Cryogenic Fluid Transfer Applications, 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}],"startTrl":3,"currentTrl":3,"benefits":"The low cost aerogel insulation will be applicable and beneficial to industries ranging from aerospace to automotive, medicine, food processing, Chemical Processing and Appliances. Some specific applications are as follows: Medical: Energy efficient storage of cryogens for medical use is always of interest. Food Processing: In poultry and seafood processing, use of LN2 is quite common nowadays for quick freezing and preservation. Appliances: Refrigerators and freezers can use high performance aerogels insulation, either evacuated or unevacuated. The development and optimization of Aspen's low cost and durable aerogel insulation will be immediately useful for wide variety of cryogenic applications such as cryogenic tanks, transportation (pipelines) of cryogens and propellant, Mars exploration, near earth orbit spacecraft and also non-cryogenic applications such as high temperature insulation up to 500oC. This material will be an excellent substitute for the expensive, heavy, and cumbersome vacuum jacketed MLI for cryogenic insulation onboard spacecraft as well as other applications where lightweight, durability and maintainability of insulation are important.","description":"Energy-efficient cryogenic insulation is an imperative requirement for the future of space travel. In order to advance the space program, NASA must find cost effective solutions to store and disperse propellants at cryogenic temperatures. The true cost for an insulation material depends upon the energy tradeoff between thermal efficiency and lifecycle maintenance for an insulation system. Durability is a critical factor for insulation systems because performance can degrade over time if appropriate attention is not given to environmental exposure and thermal cycling. Aspen Aerogels proposes to develop a cost effective, low density, aerogel insulation material that is liquid oxygen compatible for terrestrial LOX and LH2 pipes and feed lines applications. Besides its exceptional thermal insulation performance, these novel aerogels are super-hydrophobic and durable, affording a superior protective layer for the pipelines against environmental corrosion. During the Phase II Program, Aspen will further optimize the material and scale-up to production levels with a focus towards long-term applicability to replace conventional cryogenic insulation material in the pipelines and expand its use in other government and commercial applications. This novel insulation will reduce cryogenic storage costs by increasing the life expectancy of the system while decreasing the cost of installation and lifecycle maintenance.","startYear":2009,"startMonth":1,"endYear":2009,"endMonth":7,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":387217,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Redouane","lastName":"Begag","fullName":"Redouane Begag","fullNameInverted":"Begag, Redouane","primaryEmail":"rbegag@aerogel.com","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}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":489385,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Wesley","lastName":"Johnson","fullName":"Wesley L Johnson","fullNameInverted":"Johnson, Wesley L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"wesley.l.johnson@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":"KSC","canUserEdit":false,"city":"Kennedy Space Center","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4905,"organizationName":"Kennedy Space Center","organizationType":"NASA_Center","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"FL","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Florida","stateTerritoryId":46},"stateTerritoryId":46,"naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Center"},"supportingOrganizations":[{"canUserEdit":false,"city":"Northborough","congressionalDistrict":"Massachusetts 02","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":true,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":3239,"organizationName":"Aspen Aerogels, Inc.","organizationType":"Industry","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"MA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Massachusetts","stateTerritoryId":30},"stateTerritoryId":30,"ein":"621736146 ","dunsNumber":"012924069","uei":"RUMAJ7ELJG96","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"Industry"}],"statesWithWork":[{"abbreviation":"FL","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Florida","stateTerritoryId":46},{"abbreviation":"MA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Massachusetts","stateTerritoryId":30}],"lastUpdated":"2018-10-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":633,"endDateString":"Jul 2009","startDateString":"Jan 2009"}}