High performance domestically produced C-C Nozzle Extensions with reliable higher temperature capable anti-oxidation coating are one of the most critical and enabling technologies for future US launch systems. Potential applications are identified below: NASA Space Launch System (SLS) Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) - Upper stage with four RL10C engines is leading candidate (RL10C-1, RL10C-2). Other engine possibilities: J-2X, ESA Vinci (w/ C-SiC NE), commercial engines. NASA Robotic Missions - Example: Solar Probe Plus Mission - Orbital ATK Space Systems Star 48GXV solid motor with mid-size C-C exit cone. NASA Advanced Exploration Systems and In-Space Propulsion - Nuclear propulsion systems. Lunar and Mars lander descent and ascent stages.
There are many potential non-NASA applications, but the primary applications for military applications would be 1) coating systems on leading edges for hypersonic vehicles and 2) nozzle extensions for various military programs, such as USAF Delta IV & Atlas V EELVs. In addition, there are opportunities to insert this technology into nozzle extensions for commercial rocket companies, such as Space X, Blue Origin and Sierra Nevada, and others. While the CVD based higher temperature coating system can provide higher temperature performance, it is however more expensive and is constrained by SOTA of CVD capability. Our non-CVD lower cost coating technology can be adapted to the commercial markets quickly with less facility constraints. Finally, this technology may also be inserted directly into commercial semiconductor applications (MoCVD), where current CVD SiC technology is the norm.
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