Center Innovation Fund: KSC CIF
Microbes Eating Rocket Propellant Hypergols (MERPHs)
Project Description
Microbes will be attempted on proprietary green propellants. Evaluation and selection of optimal microbial media will be determined. Alteration of microbial candidates may be implemented to increase conversion rates and production of alternative-use products. Successful conversion of fuel to non-explosive compounds will be determined by classical assay analysis techniques already performed per GPIM fuel specifications. Success is measured by the chemical analysis showing no more of the fuel molecules to be present in their previous form. Current industrial methods utilize mere water dilution upon immediate release, but that can lead to expensive environmental clean-ups, and even if captured, costly industrial wastewater permits and monitoring, routine sampling and analysis have to be conducted. Other typical costly disposal includes detonation events with other unexploded ordnance at facilities permitted to do so or reactive hazardous waste disposal to out-of-state treatment facilities. Future NASA Missions that would benefit are any that would use green propellants, i.e., near-term: Lunar Flashlight Propulsion System (LFPS); future: others… NASA would benefit from having a propellant conversion technology that eliminates the immediate hazards to personnel. The DoD (initially Air Force), Commercial Space employing green propellants, and any National organization employing same would derive benefit from use of the technology.
More »
Anticipated Benefits
Determine safe handling methodology for "Green Propulsion" alternative rocket fuels (alternatives to hydrazine and other hypergols) in such situations as spills, off-spec fuels, and emergency situations; developing and testing a new, unique microbial process to chemically alter the explosive molecules, rather then temporary dilution. Current State of the Art (SOA) technology methods attempted or involved use either chemical neutralization or simple dilution with water. Both of which result in undesirable situations: chemical neutralization releases toxic gases or creates reversible reactions where the explosive can be regenerated; water dilution eventually reverts back to an explosive hazard with the evaporation of the water.
More »
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 |
| Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation | Supporting Organization | Industry | Boulder, Colorado |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) | NASA Office |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Colorado
-
Florida
Suggest an Edit
Recommend changes and additions to this project record.