SBIR/STTR
Low Cost, High Efficiency, Pressurization System for Responsive Launch Operations, Phase I
Project Introduction
KT Engineering (KTE) is pleased to submit this proposal to address the stated need for "innovative solutions that will allow spaceport launch service providers to operate in an efficient, low cost manner and increases capabilities associated with integration, checkout, and preparations required to configure and ready space systems for launch." We propose to conduct research and demonstrate feasibility of a novel launch vehicle pressurization system concept that will increase performance and reli
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Anticipated Benefits
The proposed low cost, high efficiency, pressurization system will facilitate NASA vehicle launch operations and increase turnaround times by reducing the complexity of the ground-based processing system used to prepare the vehicle-based pressurization system for launch. The interoperability and ease-of-use of the system are such that all launch systems, including pump and pressure fed liquid engine systems will benefit. The proposed system will significantly reduce dependence on increasingly scarce helium, by up to 50% over current systems, thereby reducing mission risk as reliance on helium availability is reduced. In the same way that the proposed pressurization system will facilitate NASA vehicle launch operations and increase turnaround times, the proposed system will be applicable to non-NASA launch vehicle operators including the DOD and commercial providers, supporting multiple concurrent operations and de-coupling launch processing from other range users. Application of the concept to Non-NASA launch operations will decrease to an even greater extent dependence on helium.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Kennedy Space Center
(KSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Kennedy Space Center, Florida |
| K T Engineering Corporation | Supporting Organization | Industry | Madison, Alabama |
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
- Jennifer L Gustetic
Program Manager:
- Carlos Torrez
Principal Investigator:
- David Sisk
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2012
End: Aug 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 5 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX14 Thermal Management Systems
- TX14.1 Cryogenic Systems
- TX14.1.2 Launch Vehicle Propellant
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