You are here

To Ensure the Integrity of the Cryogenic Propellant Depot Tank Within the Expected Radiation and Space Debris Environment

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNM05AA45C
Agency Tracking Number: 042156
Amount: $69,396.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: X2.04
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-01-14
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2005-07-25
Small Business Information
1080 North Main Suite #2
Brigham City, UT 84302-0505
United States
DUNS: 95632
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 James Patterson
 Principal Investigator
 (435) 734-1166
 jamesp@hypercompeng.com
Business Contact
 James Patterson
Title: President
Phone: (435) 734-1166
Email: jamesp@hypercompeng.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

We intend to develop the technology for lightweight composite structure suitable for both cryogenic fuel depot storage as well as human in-space habitat. These will incorporate improved impact technologies for micro-meteor/space debris protection and radiation capable composite technologies.

The application of filament wound composite pressure vessels to uses requiring pressurized storage at cryogenic temperatures has been undertaken at HyPerComp Engineering with promising results. Progress has been made in expanding the knowledge of how filament winding fibers and matrix systems (resins) react to loads and strain at extremely cold temperatures, such as would be encountered in in-space fuel storage depots. As with the cryogenic composite pressure vessel research, HyPerComp Engineering has been conducting research and has patented, jointly with NASA, a robust impact resistant composite pressure vessel technology. This technology shows great promise in its resistance to performance degradation from impacts, such as might be experienced in the space environment in the form of micrometeoroids and space debris. This "robust" technology has also demonstrated "non-catastrophic failure-mode" capabilities which could potentially reduce mission losses and tankage losses due to both space debris and other incidental impacts.

We intend to develop a baseline composite material capable of both cryogenic and radiation applications.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government