NASA STTR 2020-II Solicitation

Proposal Summary

Proposal Information

Proposal Number:
20-2- T2.04-6118
Phase 1 Contract #:
80NSSC20C0637
Subtopic Title:
Advanced in-space propulsion
Proposal Title:
NTR Fuel Testing in MIT Reactor Facilities
SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (SBC):
Little Prairie Services
14 Dunkin Road
Edgewood, NM  87015 - 9798
Phone: (505) 220-8029
RESEARCH INSTITUTION (RI):
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Northeast 18-901
Cambridge, MA  02139 - 4301
Phone: (617) 452-3017

Principal Investigator (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)

Name:
Roger Lenard
E-mail:
rxlenard@gmail.com
Address:
14 Dunkin Road, Edgewood, NM 87015 - 9798
Phone:
(505) 220-8029

Business Official (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)

Name:
Roger Lenard
E-mail:
rxlenard@gmail.com
Address:
14 Dunkin Road, Edgewood, NM 87015 - 9798
Phone:
(505) 220-8029
Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :
Begin: 3
End: 6
Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words)

This project will further the exceptional analysis and design work completed during the Phase I STTR effort.  During Phase II, the following will be performed:

  1. Perform a final design of the Fuel Test Capsule (FTC)
  2. Perform a stress analysis on the FTC
  3. Perform a thermal analysis on the FTC using power generated for NTR test samples
  4. Complete require safety and environmental analyses
  5. Fabricate and purchase components for a first-run FTC and assemble
  6. Generate assembly procedures
  7. Send capsule to MIT for fit test in 3GV6 test chamber
  8. Using the FTC, verify that all fluid and sensor attachments perform as desired
  9. Fabricate a fuel test coupon and check for fit in FTC
  10. Develop fuel testing procedures
  11. Fabricate 3 final Fuel Test Capsules
  12. Obtain surrogate fuel sample from NASA
  13. Assemble first FTC with surrogate fuel part
  14. Test surrogate fuel
  15. Write final report
  16. Prepare for externally funded actual fuel testing
Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)

NASA is pursuing the development of a Nuclear Thermal Rocket for solar system exploration.  A functional NTR design cannot occur without fuel that is tested to operational conditions.  This STTR will provide the ability to test actual fuel by developing the fuel test capsule and testing surrogate fuel.

Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)

The Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory may also be testing fuel and would use the LPS-MIT team to do so.

 

Duration: 24
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