8/3/2019 NASA STTR 2009 Solicitation

1/2

NASA STTR 2009 Solicitation

FORM B - PROPOSAL SUMMARY

PROPOSAL NUMBER: 09-1 T9.01-9844

RESEARCH SUBTOPIC

TITLE:Technologies for Human and Robotic Space ExplorationPropulsion Design and Manufacturing

PROPOSAL TITLE: Carbon Nano-Composite Ablative Rocket Nozzles

SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (SBC): RESEARCH INSTITUTION (RI):

NAME: Orion Propulsion, Inc. NAME: University of Central Florida

STREET:1525 Perimeter Pkwy Suite

250STREET:

4000 Central Florida Blvd,

ENGR1-307

CITY: Huntsville CITY: Orlando

STATE/ZIP: AL 35806 - 3581 STATE/ZIP: FL 32816 - 2450

PHONE: (256) 327-7611 PHONE: (407) 823-2155

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER(Name, E-mail, Mail Address,City/State/Zip, Phone)Mark F Fisher

mfisher@orionpropulsion.com

Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at beginning and end of contract:

Begin: 3

End: 5

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words)

The constantly evolving science of nanotechnology keeps coming around to old ideas re-

tooled with new technologies. Though much work has been done examining the potential for

nanotechnology to be used in ablative materials in a rocket nozzle, there have been relatively

few testing opportunities of this application. Carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites have been

identified as a lightweight and effective material that could be used in rocket motor

applications. This technology when used in rocket nozzles could exhibit increased ablationresistance in the throat area and lower backside temperatures that would allow highertemperatures inside the nozzle. This could translate into a nozzle lighter in mass and higher in

durability than conventional ablative nozzles. Benefits from this application could trickleacross the board of high-temperature and dynamic pressure environments of different types of

rocket motors.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters,

approximately 150 words)

8/3/2019 NASA STTR 2009 Solicitation

2/2

Solid rocket motor nozzle materials (for NASA, DoD,

and commercial missile, spacecraft, and launch vehicleapplications

Liquid rocket nozzle and/or throat insert material Material for other high temperature, long-life applications

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters,approximately 150 words)

Solid rocket motor nozzle materials (for NASA, DoD,

and commercial missile, spacecraft, and launch vehicle

applications

Liquid rocket nozzle and/or throat insert material

Material for other high temperature, long-life applications

NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program todisseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over

100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.

TECHNOLOGY TAXONOMY MAPPING

Composites

Form Generated on 09-18-09 10:14