SBIR/STTR
Additive Manufacturing of Ion Thruster Optics, Phase I
Project Introduction
Plasma Controls will manufacture and test a set of ion optics for electric propulsion ion thrusters using additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing. Additive manufacturing can potentially produce optics with novel or complex geometry that have better performance compared to those made traditionally, while also giving cost and mass savings.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: High performance optics can be utilized on both high power, nuclear-scale or multi-thruster spacecraft for instance, and on low power small/micro/nano-scale spacecraft and satellites of current interest to the Science Mission Directorate. Ion thrusters, utilizing optics, are attractive for deep-space use due to their high specific impulse. Miniaturized ion thrusters can provide nontrivial delta-V capability to CubeSats for orbit raising, orbit plane changes, and potentially allow CubeSats to leave Earth-orbit or perform ambitious deep-space maneuvers.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, OH |
| Plasma Controls, LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Fort Collins, CO |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Colorado
-
Ohio
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Glenn Research Center (GRC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
- Thomas Haag
Principal Investigator:
- Cody C Farnell
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2014
End: Dec 2014
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 2 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 2 In-Space Propulsion Technologies
- TA 2.2 Non-Chemical Propulsion
- TA 2.2.1 Electric Propulsion