{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":92588,"title":"High Performance Hybrid Upper Stage for NanoLaunch Vehicles","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10538,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10533,"level":3,"code":"TX01.1.5","title":"Hybrids","definition":"Hybrid propulsion systems or subsystems operate with propellants that utilize a hybrid of solid fuel and liquid oxidizer.","exampleTechnologies":"Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene thermoplastic, paraffin-based fuels","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":4,"currentTrl":6,"endTrl":6,"benefits":"The availability of a dedicated CubeSat launch vehicle will provide NASA a solution for low-cost payload insertion for their in-house CubeSats such as Nodes, MinXSS, the ELaNa payloads, the CubeQuest Challenge mission, IceCube or FireFly. The proposed propulsion solution will offer a significantly higher degree of mission flexibility than is possible with rideshare delivery methods. The Parabilis solution also enables very precise orbit injection, allowing spacecraft to forgo on-board propulsion in many cases. This precision facilitates cooperative missions where new spacecraft need to join an existing constellation, such as the proposed CubeSat A-Train that builds a network of observatories similar to the existing -Afternoon Constellation- of full-sized spacecraft currently in LEO. This solicitation and proposed technology aligns with NASA's 2014 Strategic Plan Objective 3.2, providing access to space.
Since 2000, there have been nearly 500 CubeSats launched. In 2014, the number of CubeSat launches surged in a large part due to the launch of PlanetLabs Flock 1 satellites. This increase in demand has created a backlog for CubeSats in rideshare markets. This backlog, as well as the ever growing capability of CubeSats has created a significant demand for dedicated CubeSat launch vehicles. Potential non-NASA customers include universities, businesses, and research institutions. A number of universities have CubeSat development programs that would benefit from a dedicated launch on demand service with precision, selectable orbit injection. The proposed innovation is also an ideal solution to military responsive space challenges. For instance, the US Navy's ICE-Cap CubeSat could be produced in bulk and stored to be launched as a quick response method for augmenting MUOS communications capability to meet rapidly-changing global demands. Additional commercial applications exist for the proposed stage beyond that of a dedicated launch vehicle upper stage. The stages -compact size allows it to be used as a secondary payload post-deployment propulsion system on many launch vehicles. This will give CubeSats and MicroSats significant capabilities when launched as a secondary payload. The innovation can also be applied to larger products geared for lower stages.","description":"Parabilis Space Technologies, Inc (Parabilis), in collaboration with Utah State University (USU), proposes further development of a low-cost, high-performance launch vehicle upper stage that uses a high density, storable oxidizer and a polymer fuel grain as propellants in response to solicitation T1.01, Affordable Nano/Micro Launch Propulsion Stages. This effort will build upon the successful optimization studies, design, and testing activities completed during Phase I. The resulting technology will fulfill the ever-growing mission demands of the extensive CubeSat and NanoSat market by enabling dedicated launch for CubeSat scale payloads. Comparable launch vehicle stages in this size class are not currently commercially available. The proposed -green-propellant- system offers significant advantages over competing technologies in the areas of cost, safety, and mission capability.","startYear":2016,"startMonth":9,"endYear":2019,"endMonth":5,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":79189,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Christopher","lastName":"Grainger","fullName":"Christopher S Grainger","fullNameInverted":"Grainger, Christopher S","middleInitial":"S","primaryEmail":"Chris@Parabilis-Space.Com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":74373,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Chris","lastName":"Grainger","fullName":"Chris Grainger","fullNameInverted":"Grainger, Chris","primaryEmail":"chris@parabilis-space.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":3164573,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Daniel","lastName":"Jones","fullName":"Daniel Jones","fullNameInverted":"Jones, Daniel","primaryEmail":"Daniel.S.Jones@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M 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The proposed propulsion solution will offer a significantly higher degree of mission flexibility than is possible with rideshare delivery methods. The specific stages proposed for development would also be ideally suited for integration with current NASA launch vehicle efforts, such as NASA Marshall's NanoLaunch 1200. Either as an integrated component in this vehicle, or as part of another commercial package, the proposed launch vehicle stage will provide NASA the capability to expand programs for universities and research institutions such as the CubeSat Launch Initiative. This solicitation and proposed technology aligns with NASA's 2014 Strategic Plan Objective 3.2, providing access to space.
Since 2000, there have been several hundred CubeSats launched, adding value to a variety of commercial, research, civil, and military applications. In 2014, the number of CubeSat lunches has surged in a large part due to the launch of PlanetLabs Flock 1 satellites. This increase in demand has created a backlog for CubeSats for ride along markets. This backlog, as well as the ever growing capability of CubeSats has created a market for dedicated CubeSat launch vehicles. Potential non-NASA customers include universities, small businesses, and research institutes. A number of universities have active CubeSat development programs that would benefit from having a dedicated launch vehicle. The proposed innovation is also an ideal solution to responsive space challenges. Additional commercial applications exist for the proposed 4th stage beyond that of a dedicated launch vehicle upper stage. The stages' compact size allows it to be used as a secondary payload post-deployment propulsion system on many launch vehicles. This will give CubeSats and MicroSats significant delta-V capabilities when launched as a secondary payload.","description":"Parabilis Space Technologies, Inc. (Parabilis), in collaboration with Utah State University (USU), proposes a low cost, high performance launch vehicle upper stage using oxygen and a novel additively manufactured polymer fuel grain as propellants in response to solicitation T1.01, Affordable Nano/Micro Launch Propulsion Stages. This technology will fulfill the ever-growing mission demands of the CubeSat and NanoSat market by enabling dedicated launch for 5-6 kg class payloads. Comparable launch vehicle stages in this size class are not currently commercially available. The proposed green-propellant system will have significant advancements over alternative technologies in cost, safety, and mission capability. During Phase I, the development team's objectives include preliminary design of an upper stage and the test fire of a demonstration prototype. This innovative stage is designed such that it can integrate directly into NASA Marshall's NanoLaunch 1200 architecture.","startYear":2015,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2016,"endMonth":6,"statusDescription":"Completed","website":"","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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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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