SBIR/STTR
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.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: 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.
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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 |
| Special Aerospace Services | Supporting Organization | Industry | Boulder, CO |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Colorado
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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:
- Timothy Bulk
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:
- TA 2 In-Space Propulsion Technologies
- TA 2.1 Chemical Propulsion
- TA 2.1.2 Liquid Cryogenic