Award Data

NASA Fission Surface Power Generation systems are weight challenged based mostly on the very conservative radiation tolerance specification of COTS components and in terms of lander limitations for surface operational uses. The proposed programs will drastically reduce both the mass of the shielding and the amount of shielding necessary to protect power and control electronics. Moreover, it enabl ...

ProtoInnovations, LLC (PI) will research, design, develop, and validate advanced locomotion controls, rover-based non-prehensile manipulation (RNM) actions, and novel hardware/software architectures to allow rovers to alter the environment around them for the purposes of improving terrainability, aiding in scientific investigations, and accomplishing construction tasks. This work will require the ...

This SBIR project will develop a manufacturing method for nuclear fuels that can be universally applied for space-power systems that utilizes a dust-free uranium oxide production unit. For the particular application to nuclear thermal propulsion, in which one wishes, (1) to maximize hydrogen propellant heating, and (2) to reduce fission product gas release and reactor particulates into the engine ...

In this SBIR project, we will develop a passive thermal management system for microelectronics that are integrated into space suits, gloves, and other soft goods. The system will be composed of a thermally conductive rubber that is molded around the heat-producing components. In order to enable mechanical deformation, the microelectronic components will be wired together with soft and stretchabl ...

Current evaluations of stress in textile parachute structures rely heavily on analytical estimation without adequate data collection means to validate or improve simulations. Features of available data acquisition tools are too limited to facilitate “live” stress measurement of parachute textiles in operation. Advancements in microelectronics and electronics infused "E-textiles" can be emplo ...

The NASA objective of expanding the human experience into the far reaches of space requires regenerable life support systems. This proposal addresses the fabrication of structured (monolithic), carbon-based trace-contaminant (TC) sorbents for the space suit used in Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). The proposed innovations are: (1) the use of thin-walled, structured carbon TC sorbents fabricated u ...

The adoption of high energy lithium sulfur batteries hinges on significant improvements in charge/recharge cycle life. Cycle life is limited by migration of dissolved polysulfide species which creates an electrochemical short circuit. In this NASA SBIR, Navitas Systems proposes to develop an atomically precise and bifunctional membrane separator for lithium sulfur batteries that impedes polysulf ...

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop and advance a highly efficient regenerative solid oxide stack design. Novel structural elements allow reforming of regolith off-gases (e.g., methane and high hydrocarbons) within a solid oxide stack as well as efficient H2O/CO2 electrolysis, overcoming shortcomings of traditional approaches. The resulting design offers the potential for light-we ...

The proposed program addresses the fundamental issues of lack of commonality across SmallSat platform power management. The DREPS aims to improve modularity, scalability, and efficiency of small spacecraft and CubeSat power systems (up to 100W) by implementing a novel reconfigurable architecture that integrates high reliability components and novel thermal management techniques to enable operatio ...

ProtoInnovations, LLC is developing an inventive system for wheeled mobility that exploits the geometric and mechanical attributes of tensegrity to engage with the terrain in an effective and efficient manner. Dubbed the tensegrital wheel, this unique wheel design emulates the behavior of a variable pressure tire without the need for an inflation system. The construction of the tensegrital wheel i ...