Award Data

This SBIR will develop a decay heat solution for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) systems that will significantly reduce the amount of hydrogen required to cool down an NTP system after operation. In addition, novel decay heat solutions will enable functionality beyond current NTP system concepts by enabling dual-mode power co-generation and high-Isp-reactor-powered Reaction Control System (RCS)/O ...

The aerial inspection technology we have begun developing in Phase I shows promise for a commercializable system. Our team has supporting technology in place and the relevant background to bring this innovation to TRL 6 through the Phase II effort. Our contacts in industry state strong cases for the usefulness and marketability of this innovation.The team will develop towards the project objective ...

After a very successful Phase I program, where QorTek has been investigating and developing the design of a lsquo;KILOPOWERrsquo; relevant AC-DC converter that is highly compact (extremely power dense), lightweight, reliable, and designed to rapidly move onto an environmentally robust and HiRel version in Phase II.nbsp; Our primary focus has been NASA Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG ...

In Phase I, OxEon investigated several cathode compositions for redox tolerance. The modified nickel cermet based cathode compositions were subjected multiple oxidation reduction cycles to evaluate electrolysis performance in button cell configuration. Several of the cathode compositions showed capability of electrolysis operation after oxidation reduction cycle including exposure to oxidizing env ...

Solid-state nanopores have been identified as ideal candidates for robust and ultrafast single molecule detection and present a highly suitable candidate platform technology for this NASA SBIR Phase II solicitation under Focus Area 9: Sensors, Detectors and Instruments and subtopic S1.11 In Situ Instruments/Technologies and Sample Processing for Ocean Worlds Life Detection focused on concepts for ...

Tethers Unlimited, Inc. (TUI) proposes to develop a software payload for the Astrobee free-flier to enable multi-agent collaborative robotics tasks for automation of human spacecraft, and robotic on-orbit servicing. AstroPorter is built on a mass property estimator capability and enables spacecraft to dynamically adjust its GNC parameters through the course of coupling to other robotic agents, pic ...

New classes of aircraft, providing personal, on-demand mobility, are under development and are poised to revolutionize short-duration air travel.nbsp; The impetus for this work comes from advances in electronics and controls, and increases in electric motor power densities.nbsp; As these aircraft are integrated into the transportation system, they will encounter icing conditions that may challenge ...

There is a significant gap between the properties of materials that are produced using current 3D printing processes and the properties that are needed to support critical space systems.nbsp; The main limitation for polymers is the interlayer adhesion between layers in the buildup direction.nbsp; The polyetherimide/polycarbonate (PEI/PC) composite recently demonstrated on the International Space S ...

NASA requires breakthrough battery cell technologies that are much safer than current state-of-the-art lithium-ion cell technologies in order to achieve NASAs far-term energy storage goals for human and robotic missions. A new generation of spacesuits is needed to support EVAs for future surface exploration missions. These new suits will require decreased mass and volume, improved functionality, a ...

ProtoInnovations, LLC is developing a rover-based non-prehensile manipulation (RBNPM) control architecture and associated algorithms, tools, and metrics to maximize the mobile manipulation capabilities of robotic rovers using existing actuated degrees-of-freedom (DoF) such as wheel rotation or steering. These new or improved capabilities allow rovers to change the environment around them to improv ...