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High Efficiency, Microchannel Reactors For ISRU Applications

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NAS9-02009
Agency Tracking Number: 000833
Amount: $599,687.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1020 Marauder Street, Suite D
Chico, CA 95973
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Darby Makel
 President
 (530) 895-2771
 dmakel@makelengineering.com
Business Contact
 Darby Makel
Title: President
Phone: (530) 895-2771
Email: dmakel@makelengineering.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This project is to develop miniature, solid-state, chemical reactors using advanced Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and microchannel technology to support in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) of Mars and lunar missions. Successful ISRU will require component technologies which provide optimal size, weight, volume, and power efficiency. This project is adapting fundamental MEMS and microchannel fabrication technologies developed at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to key chemical reaction processes common to most proposed ISRU schemes, namely, the conversion of water to hydrogen and oxygen and the reduction of carbon oxides. This project also seeks to use microchannel and MEMS technologies as means of achieving integration of system components, such as filters, valves and instrumentation, with key chemical processing steps, such as reaction bed, product separation and thermal management systems. The goal of the program is to develop technology which addresses NASA's needs for missions, such as the Mars Sample Return Mission and propellant production for the Mars Accent Vehicle. This Phase I program will develop a prototype integrated miniature ISRU system for the production of methane, oxygen, and other useful chemicals from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

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

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