Award Data

High temperature heat acquisition and transport is a critical technology gap inhibiting full implementation of nuclear energy propulsion (NEP) and power sources for NASA inter-planetary and Lunar Surface missions.nbsp; Nuclear energy thermal management requires acquisition and transport of 4-10MW of power at 1200-1400K; the target axial heat flux is 1.0MW/m2.nbsp; Furthermore, NASA requires candid ...

It is important to consider lithium-ion battery limitations particularly regarding temperature range, to ensure safe and successful mission outcomes. We have developed a gel polymer electrolyte that meets stringent requirements of high safety, stability, and non-flammabilitynbsp;for implantable medical devices and plannbsp;to further developnbsp;this electrolyte for use in cells operating in extre ...

Our innovation, Focused LIBS for Elements in Water IDentification (FLEW.ID), is a compact, cost-effective, and sensitive instrument for monitoring the elemental composition of aqueous solutions in plant growth systems on-board the International Space Station (ISS). FLEW.ID utilizes a miniaturized, low-pulse energy laser for performing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements that, ...

To effectively monitor plant nutrient uptake and cycling, optimize fertilizing and watering routines, and reproducibly grow healthy plants for consumption, researchers on board the space station must know the concentration of key elements, nutrients, and other constituents present in plant growth systems to a high degree of specificity and regularity. High frequency, accurate, in-situ data is curr ...

In response to NASA SBIR Topic S16.07, ThermAvant Technologies, LLC proposes to develop highnbsp;conductance cryogenic oscillating heat pipes for space applications. Working fluids will be investigated at temperatures between 77 Knbsp;and 230 K. The oscillating heat pipes will be developed in a range of geometries to demonstrate high effective thermal conductivities innbsp;complex 3D geometries an ...

NASA has previously developed its 3D-TPS conceptnbsp;which offers superior mass efficiency relative to legacy carbon-phenolic TPS.nbsp; Multiple 3D-TPS recipes developed to date includenbsp;a spun carbon:phenolic yarn constituent.nbsp; Future recipes may require alternate yarn constructionsnbsp;(denier, blend ratios, fiber chemistries, etc.) in order to tailor TPS properties to specific mission re ...

To provide significant improvements in aircraft fuel/energy economy and emissions, electric aircraft are being developed with a current commercial market of $7.9 Billion in 2021 with predicted growth to $27.7 Billion by 2030.nbsp; Per NASA 2020-I SBIR A1.04 Electrified Aircraft Propulsionnbsp;(EAP), thermal management systems (TMS) are needed which can be scaled to high power required to make EAP ...

Chemical and mineralogical subsurface investigations have been limited to scooping and analysis of drill tailings (Viking, Phoenix, MSL), or crushing drill-core materials and subsequent delivery and analysis (ExoMars rover). This approach is resource-taxing, involving multiple mechanical interfaces. We propose to develop the Probe for Exploring Regolith and Ice by Subsurface Classification of Orga ...

As described in the NASA SBIR 2020 program solicitation, kilowatt-class fission power generation is an enabling technology for lunar and Mars surface missions that require day and night power for long-duration surface operations, and may be the only viable power option to achieve a sustained human presence.nbsp; Under the subtopic 2020-Z1.03 entitled Thermal Management, ThermAvant Technologies (Th ...

TEAM, Inc. proposes to advance the state of the art of C-C material systems and preforming methods for use in hot structure applications.nbsp; A program with parallel Testing and Process Development tracks is planned:nbsp;Testing Program:The carbon-phenolic material system from Phase I will be replaced with C-C and C-C/SiC matrix in Phase II.nbsp; (densification sub-contractor Exothermics.)nbsp; T ...