WASHINGTON - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Technology Transfer Program is soliciting interest from companies seeking to license a propulsion catalyst manufacturing technology designed to improve performance, repeatability, and manufacturability in mono-propellant thruster systems.
The agency is offering license rights on either an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, with potential field-of-use restrictions. NASA emphasized that no funding will be provided in connection with any licensing agreements.
NASA is seeking industry partners capable of commercializing, manufacturing, and marketing the technology for aerospace and related applications, particularly where propulsion efficiency, reliability, and design flexibility are critical.
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The technology addresses longstanding limitations in mono-propellant propulsion systems, where thrust is generated by flowing a propellant across a catalyst to trigger a chemical reaction. Conventional approaches typically involve coating the inner walls of a thruster nozzle or inserting catalyst-coated metal or graphite foams into the chamber. While foam-based approaches can improve thrust performance, they introduce variability in geometry and material properties, are costly to procure, and can be damaged during installation due to compression-based insertion methods.
Ultra-fine lattices
To overcome these constraints, NASA, in collaboration with EOS, developed a method to additively manufacture ultra-fine lattice-structured propulsion catalysts. The approach enables precise control over catalyst geometry and material properties, enabling engineers to customize mechanical strength, chemical reactivity, and fluid flow characteristics. The result is a more consistent and potentially higher-performing catalyst structure, with lower manufacturing costs and shorter lead times compared to traditional foam-based solutions.
Companies interested in pursuing a license can submit an application through NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) at https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/MFS-TOPS-120. Questions regarding the opportunity may be directed to NASA’s Technology Transfer Program at [email protected].
