Award Data

Lunar explorations have identified significant lunar dust-related problems that will challenge future mission success. Mechanical systems will be exposed to harsh regolith dust that comprises particles ranging in size from tens of nanometers to microns, and they need to operate on the dusty surface of the moon for months to years with little to no maintenance. NASA seeks technologies in rotary, li ...

Photonwares Corporation proposes a new design to realize a 1x2 high power fiber optical switch.nbsp; Our design incorporates several innovative features to achieve performance that is beyond state-of-the-art, meeting the requirements for NASA deep space long-range communication. nbsp;nbsp;The proposed fiber optical switch design also leverages our over 20 years of micro-optic development experienc ...

A fundamental problem with materials and manufacturing at NASA is the need to rapidly, repeatably, and cost-effectively manufacture unique, defect-free, complex parts to build spacecraft at a wide range of size scales. Space vehicles must ensure safety and reliability throughout missions, the durations of which are ever-increasing as the bounds of space are pushed. Therefore, each component used i ...

AiRANACULUS, Northeastern Universitynbsp;and NWRA supported by DRAPER propose an innovative Cross-layer Wide-Band Cognitive Communications Architecture Enabled by Intelligent Direct Digital Transceiver (CLAIRE) to meet the NASA#39;s Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) needs to increase mission science data return, improve resource efficiencies for NASA missions and communication (Comms) netw ...

Busek Co. Inc. proposes to develop a high total impulse electric upper stage for small launch vehicles.nbsp; The stage will be propelled by Busekrsquo;s 600 W Hall thruster. With xenon, which is the baseline propellant, the nominal specific impulse is 1500 s. The thruster may also be fueled by low cost krypton or high density iodine.nbsp; Power will be provided by solar arrays.nbsp; Total impulse ...

.Remote Sensing Solutions (RSS) proposes will develop the next generation ultra-wideband, low power, high fidelity software defined radar/radiometer receiver and signal processor that will be designed for spaceflight applications. This technology and product will enable combined radar-radiometer missions at reduced power, cost, size and weight while enabling multi-mode operation to address multipl ...

NASA is looking for improvement in aeropropulsive power density and efficiency in support of its Strategic Thrust in the area of Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports, focusing on small core turbofan engines for next-generation and future large commercial transport aircraft. The trend in the design of modern gas turbine engines is for ever-increasing cycle efficiency and reduced specific fuel consum ...

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes a compact, vacuum-regenerable sorbent bed for effectively removing a broad range of trace contaminants, meeting all topic performance requirements, which can be integrated with the Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) CO2/H2O removal system. Both the primary trace contaminants (ammonia, CO, formaldehyde, and methyl mercaptan) as well as other s ...

We propose to design, test and deliver a system that can be used to calibrate absorption-based soot monitors which are used to determine fuel emission indices for aircraft engines. nbsp;The centerpiece of this system will be a modified version of the CAPS PMSSA monitor which provides a means of determining a sample absorption based on a true particle standard. nbsp;It will be coupled to a means of ...

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a unique venturi for propellant feed systems that uses a passively controlled throat area to adjust flow rate. The adaptive venturi is a safety device that eliminates fluid hammer in gaseous, liquid, and cryogenic systems by rapidly adjusting flow area to prevent pressure surges. These benefits are achieved without adding weight, volume, or power re ...