Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Low-Cost High-Performance Non-Toxic Self-Pressurizing Storable Liquid Bi-Propellant Pressure-Fed Rocket Engine, Phase I
Project Description
Exquadrum proposes a high-performance liquid bi-propellant rocket engine that uses propellants that are non-toxic, self-pressurizing, and low cost. The proposed engine and propellants provide the same performance as state-of-the-art storable propellants. The propellants are storable for long durations without decomposition or degradation. Because the propellants are self-pressurizing, they offer the potential for overall system weight savings by eliminating the pressurization system. In Phase I, Exquadrum will develop this engine concept through trade studies and analyses and conclude with a proof-of-concept hot fire demonstration of a full-scale laboratory engine. In Phase II, Exquadrum will mature the engine design to detail design, and deliver a full-scale engine to NASA for functional and environmental testing under simulated mission conditions.
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Anticipated Benefits
NASA consistently strives to reduce the cost of space missions and to reduce the use of toxic chemicals. The proposed technology significantly reduces the cost of space missions by reducing the cost of the propellants, and by eliminating the cost of handling and processing toxic propellants. A low-cost non-toxic in-space propulsion system with state-of-the-art performance has NASA applications including main spacecraft propulsion, orbital maneuvering systems, reaction control systems, and auxiliary power units. A low-cost, non-toxic storable propulsion system has many non-NASA commercial applications. The propulsion system could be used as a Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) systems for Un-crewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) to increase gross takeoff weight while maintaining safe ground operations, or as a self-contained Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). Additionally, it offers safe, high-performance in-space propulsion for the growing commercial space industry.
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Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exquadrum, Inc. | Lead Organization |
Industry
Minority-Owned Business,
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
|
Adelanto, California |
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
California
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