SBIR/STTR
High Performance Hybrid Upper Stage for NanoLaunch Vehicles, Phase I
Project Introduction
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.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: 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 IceCube or FireFly. 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.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, AL |
| Parabilis Space Technologies, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | San Marcos, CA |
| Utah State University | Supporting Organization | Industry |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Utah
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Christopher S Grainger
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2015
End: Jun 2016
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 1 Launch Propulsion Systems
- TA 1.4 Ancillary Propulsion Systems
- TA 1.4.1 Auxiliary Control Systems
Other / Cross-cutting:
- TA 1 Launch Propulsion Systems
- TA 1.1 Solid Rocket Propulsion Systems
- TA 1.1.4 Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Systems