{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":9850,"title":"Polymer-Reinforced, Nonbrittle, Lightweight Cryogenic Insulation for Reduced Life-Cycle Costs","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}],"startTrl":3,"currentTrl":6,"endTrl":6,"benefits":"Efficient and affordable insulation is very attractive for a wide range of consumer applications ranging from pipeline insulation to advanced technology research. Currently aerogel-lined fabrics are used for extreme temperature insulation in clothing and other building materials. ISL's technology introduces a lightweight, inexpensive, and moldable foam insulation that can be customized to a variety of shapes and flexibilities. The immediate market for the foam lies in the Aerospace industry. ISL's foam technology has the potential to insulate advanced aircraft fuel tanks while providing a flame-resistant layer. Currently, new and exciting products are implementing aerogel technology that ISL is utilizing.
Current NASA spacecrafts are fueled by liquid hydrogen and oxygen. To complete NASA missions cost-effectively, it is necessary to conserve these fuels by limiting cryogenic fuel boil-off. Current insulations absorb water while at the launch pad, thus increasing the overall liftoff load by up to 1000 lbs. NASA would greatly benefit from an advanced cryogenic insulation system that would reduce fuel boil-off and atmospheric water absorption. Such insulation would reduce liftoff weight by not only limiting water uptake, but also by reducing the necessary insulation thickness to maintain liquid fuel. Applications for such a material would include rocket fuel systems, terrestrial launch pad fuel transport lines, and orbital depot systems. This insulation could also be expanded for use in advance technology research including superconductors and advanced energy systems. Currently ground and launch operations account for 45 60% of total costs. The outcome of this project will greatly reduce these costs.","description":"This Phase II SBIR project focuses to continue developing cryogenic insulation foams that are flexible, deforming under compression. InnoSense LLC (ISL) demonstrated enhanced structural and insulation properties in Phase I to establish NASA use potential. In particular, ISL demonstrated a 30% increase in thermal shielding properties over baseline polyurethane foams. These foams were easily formed into a variety of shapes resisting high impact loads without damage. The coated foams were extremely hydrophobic showing excellent resistance to moisture. These materials insulated liquid nitrogen temperatures with one inch of insulation thickness. Upon fine tuning the foam formulations in Phase II, cryogenic insulation performance will be tested at liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen temperatures. ISL has teamed with a large NASA prime contractor for computer modeling and performance validation during Phase II. For assuring success, ISL has committed $100K of co-funding during Phase II, and secured $300K as Phase III Follow-on funding from a commercialization partner. A technical and business team is now in place for successful execution of the project. At project end, we expect to achieve a TRL Level of at least 6 from 3 in the beginning.","startYear":2011,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2013,"endMonth":9,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":107393,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"David","lastName":"Hess","fullName":"David Hess","fullNameInverted":"Hess, David","primaryEmail":"david.hess-1@innosense.us","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":107394,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"David","lastName":"Hess","fullName":"David C Hess","fullNameInverted":"Hess, David C","middleInitial":"C","primaryEmail":"david.c.hess@nasa.gov","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":3164121,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Robert","lastName":"Johnson","fullName":"Robert Johnson","fullNameInverted":"Johnson, Robert","primaryEmail":"Robert.G.Johnson@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"theresa.m.stanley@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[],"transitions":[{"transitionId":66792,"projectId":9850,"partner":"Other","transitionDate":"2011-06-01","path":"Advanced From","relatedProjectId":9088,"relatedProject":{"acronym":"","projectId":9088,"title":"Polymer Reinforced, Non-Brittle, Light-Weight Cryogenic Insulation for Reduced Life Cycle Costs","startTrl":2,"currentTrl":3,"endTrl":3,"benefits":"The development of a lightweight, impact resistant composite insulation foam will enable NASA to inexpensively insulate rocket fuel tanks. Composite foams has particular commercial appeal to the aerospace industry to improve fuel efficiency in time of high fuel price and in the public sector for the maintenance of expensive liquid gases. Target markets include gas products and aerospace companies that utilize liquid gases as fuel. Improved insulation techniques would improve gas storage efficiency that would reduce fuel use and transportation costs.
NASA requires cryogenic insulation for spacecraft to improve the efficiency in which missions are completed. Fuel tank insulation is required to (1) function reliably in both ambient and high vacuum environments, (2) be a reusable fill material, (3) be robust, impact resistant, (4) it must not appreciably withhold water, and (5) the materials should be fully breathable to surrounding environment or be completely sealed. The proposed aerogel material would meet all these requirements. In addition, the open cell material is desirable for insulation materials, since any debris that becomes entwined in the pore structure may easily be removed. The structures produced will be designed to meet the structural and thermal requirement set forth by NASA.","description":"InnoSense LLC (ISL) proposes to fabricate a composite aerogel foam. This material is designed to be impact resistant, non-brittle, non-water-retaining and insulating for cryogenic propellant storage tanks at a reduced life cycle cost. Since typical liquid rocket fuels consist of liquified hydrogen and oxygen, the proposed material must be able to insulate and maintain cryogenic temperatures. Here, ISL proposes to utilize traditional solvent exchange aerogel protocols to \"co-foam\" silica and a polymeric additive material. The composite material will maintain the thermal properties of traditional aerogels, and also exhibit an increased flexibility due to the incorporation of a porous polymer additive. The Phase I project will demonstrate that it is feasible to fabricate inexpensive, high performance cryogenic insulation foam through traditional aerogel processing techniques. In addition, this material should exhibit high mechanical performance required for fuel tank applications. Process optimization and field-testing will move forward in Phase II in collaboration with a major NASA prime contractor.","startYear":2010,"startMonth":1,"endYear":2010,"endMonth":7,"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
","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"},"lastUpdated":"2024-1-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":68,"endDateString":"Jul 2010","startDateString":"Jan 2010"},"infoText":"Advanced from another project within the program","infoTextExtra":"Another project within the program (Polymer Reinforced, Non-Brittle, Light-Weight Cryogenic Insulation for Reduced Life Cycle Costs)","dateText":"June 2011"},{"transitionId":66791,"projectId":9850,"transitionDate":"2013-09-01","path":"Closed Out","closeoutDocuments":[{"title":"Final Summary Chart","file":{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":306554,"fileName":"SBIR_2009_2_FSC_O3.02-9623","fileSize":78888,"objectId":66791,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":1841,"code":"TRANSITION_FILES","description":"Transition Files","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"fileSizeString":"77.0 KB"},"transitionId":66791,"fileId":306554}],"infoText":"Closed out","infoTextExtra":"","dateText":"September 2013"}],"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":{"canUserEdit":false,"city":"Torrance","congressionalDistrict":"California 43","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":true,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":2813,"organizationName":"Innosense Corporation","organizationType":"Industry","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"CA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"California","stateTerritoryId":59},"stateTerritoryId":59,"msiData":{},"setAsideData":["Minority-Owned Business","Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)","Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)"],"ein":"113732939 ","dunsNumber":"114060861","uei":"Y45MWN6YRAB1","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"Industry"},"supportingOrganizations":[{"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"}],"statesWithWork":[{"abbreviation":"CA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"California","stateTerritoryId":59},{"abbreviation":"FL","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Florida","stateTerritoryId":46}],"lastUpdated":"2024-1-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":55,"endDateString":"Sep 2013","startDateString":"Jun 2011"}}