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Advanced Materials and Fabrication Techniques for the Orion Attitude Control…

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
90876 		Program Year/Program:
2009 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
080069 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Plasma Processes, LLC
4914 Moores Mill Road Huntsville, AL -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2009
Title: Advanced Materials and Fabrication Techniques for the Orion Attitude Control Motor
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNX09CF79P
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

The Launch Abort System (LAS) for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) will provide a safe escape for the crew in the event of an emergency during launch. A key component of the LAS is its Attitude Control Motor (ACM). Recent testing of the ACM valve assembly has resulted in failure during hot-fire testing. These failures are believed to be the result of the molybdenum alloy component distorting during firing. Based on these results, alternative materials with higher temperature capability are needed for the ACM valve assembly. During Phase I, innovative electrochemical forming (EL-FormTM) techniques will be developed for producing ACM hot gas components near net shape. Both rhenium and rhenium coated graphite composite materials will be evaluated. PPI will partner with Southern Research Institute, a leader in the testing of advanced, high temperature materials, for the materials properties testing. During Phase II, ACM hot gas components will be fabricated and hot fire tested. In addition to rhenium and rhenium coated graphite composites, alternative materials such as molybdenum-rhenium and tungsten-rhenium materials will be evaluated.

Principal Investigator:

John S. O'Dell
Principal Investigator
scottodell@plasmapros.com

Business Contact:

Angela Hattaway
Business Official
2568517653
Small Business Information at Submission:

Plasma Processes, Inc.
4914 Moores Mill Road Huntsville, AL 35811

EIN/Tax ID: 631100320
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Southern Research Institute
P.O. Box 53305
Birmingham, AL 35255-5305
Contact Phone: (205) 581-2000
RI Type: Domestic nonprofit research organization