Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF
In-Situ Electrochemical Production of Propellants from Martian Resources
Project Introduction
We propose to capture CO2 using task-specific Ionic Liquid (IL) and electrolyze with water in the same “pot” to yield Methane and Oxygen for propulsion.
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Anticipated Benefits
Four fewer processing steps, about 50% less mass, about 23% lower energy. It is estimated that in situ propellant production can save about 30 metric tons of landed mass as well as breathing oxygen for life support. Potential future funding from STMD, AES, DOE
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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 |
Kennedy Space Center
(KSC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Kennedy Space Center, FL |
| Mercer University | Supporting Organization | Academic | Macon, GA |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF
Project Management
Program Director:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Oct 2015
End: Sep 2016
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 2 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 7 Human Exploration Destination Systems
- TA 7.1 In-Situ Resource Utilization
- TA 7.1.3 Processing and Production