Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
ORSC Methane Ascent/Descent Engine Technology Development, Phase I
Project Introduction
Special Aerospace Services (SAS) is proposing a new and innovative ascent/descent engine using methane as its propellant. This engine will utilize the concepts of the Oxidizer Rich Staged Combustion (ORSC) cycle of the RD-8 to improve on performance over existing hardware. This SBIR program will leverage existing work SAS has done in conjunction with DARPA to on the RD-8 preburner to design and analyze a new engine with the benefits of the RD-8, but being able to use methane as the propellant. Additive manufacturing will be used to build the components of the engine to reduce cost and limitations in design.
More »
Anticipated Benefits
NASA has the opportunity to support the development of an ascent/descent methane engine for use in exploration missions that will greatly expand the capability for the agency. Opportunities for NASA include small autonomous and rendezvous space tug engine for orbital debris removal, Mars sample ascent and descent engine, micro-lander applications, and other interplanetary missions. Non-NASA applications include research by DARPA and other government agencies such as the U.S. Air Force. Interests may include providing an upper stage for Super Strypi, or as an application with DARPA's ALASA program. Additional Non-NASA commercial applications include micro-lander applications, orbit debris removal systems, and exploratory interplanetary missions.
More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Aerospace Services | Lead Organization |
Industry
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB),
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
|
Boulder, Colorado |
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
Colorado
Project Library
Share this Project
Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Special Aerospace Services
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2015
End: Dec 2015
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX01 Propulsion Systems
- TX01.1 Chemical Space Propulsion
- TX01.1.3 Cryogenic
Target Destination
Earth
Suggest an Edit
Recommend changes and additions to this project record.