posted 02-22-2010 12:13 PM               

Heavy Lift and Propulsion Technology

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) will lead research and development (R&D) activities related to space launch propulsion technologies. This propulsion R&D effort will include development of a U.S. first-stage hydrocarbon engine for potential use in future heavy lift (and other) launch systems, as well as basic research in areas such as new propellants, advanced propulsion materials manufacturing techniques, combustion processes, and engine health monitoring. In support of this initiative, NASA will explore cooperative efforts with the Department of Defense (DOD) and also develop a competitive process for allocating a small portion of these funds to universities and other non-governmental organizations.

• First-Stage Launch Propulsion

  NASA's efforts in this area will focus on development of a U.S. core stage hydrocarbon engine that would be suitable for use in a future heavy-lift rocket or as the first stage of a future launch vehicle. A strong candidate would be a hydrocarbon (liquid oxygen/kerosene) engine, capable of generating high levels of thrust approximately equal to or exceeding the performance of the Russian-built RD-180 engine. Other key target characteristics for this new capability include improvements in overall engine robustness and efficiency, health monitoring, affordability, and operability. In every aspect of the design, NASA will seek to incorporate features that will reduce manufacturing and operating costs for this engine, once it achieves nominal production status. The level of funding for this project is intended to result in a fully operational engine by the end of this decade or perhaps sooner if a DOD partnership is established.

• In-Space Engine Demonstration
  NASA will initiate development and in-space testing of in-space engines. Areas of focus could include a liquid oxygen/methane engine and potentially also low-cost liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen engines. This work will build from NASA's recent R&D experience in this area, and the test articles will be viewed as a potential prototype for a subsequent operational engine that would be restartable and capable of high acceleration and reliability. Where appropriate, NASA will seek to leverage technologies that are under development in industry.

• Foundational Propulsion Research
  As noted in a recent OSTP assessment of the state of the U.S. launch propulsion industry base (as well as other related reports); there has been a significant downturn in U.S. industry and governmental investment in foundational R&D regarding space launch propulsion technologies. This has led to concerns about sustaining U.S. expertise in this area and the related potential to identify potential breakthrough propulsion technologies for reducing the costs and improving the performance of future systems. Accordingly, NASA will allocate funds to performing foundational research in chemical propulsion technologies in areas such as new or largely untested propellants, advanced propulsion materials and manufacturing techniques, combustion processes, and engine health monitoring and safety.

  In support of this research initiative, NASA will also establish a transparent and equitable process for distributing $25 million in funds annually to commercial, university, and other non-governmental research organizations for foundational research in this area, with the goal of encouraging a broad range of innovative approaches and helping to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers in the space launch propulsion arena. This research effort will be coordinated to the extent possible with the broader Agency technology initiative led by the Chief Technology Officer in an effort to identify and leverage potential synergies between these programs.

posted 06-29-2010 02:02 PM               

NASA Issues Broad Agency Announcement For Heavy Lift Studies

NASA has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking proposals and industry input on heavy-lift system concepts and propulsion technology.

NASA is seeking an innovative path for human space exploration that strengthens its capability to extend human and robotic presence throughout the solar system. The information also may help lay the groundwork for humans to safely reach multiple potential destinations, including asteroids, Lagrange points, the moon and Mars.

The total funding available under this announcement is approximately $8 million; maximum individual contract award is $625,000. The deadline for submitting proposals is July 29, 2010.

Submissions should include assessments of a variety of heavy-lift launch craft and in-space vehicle architectures using various propulsion combinations. The submissions also should explain how the architectures can be employed to meet mission objectives. Proposals should capture potential system architectures and identify technology gaps, including propellant tanks, main propulsion elements and rocket health management.

A variety of in-space architectural elements may be included, such as propellant depots, and space transfer stages and vehicles. The focus will be on developing affordable system concepts that may be used by multiple entities, such as the Department of Defense, commercial corporations and international space agencies.