T.G.V. ROCKETS INC. — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Z10

Description

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">NASA has identified Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) as an advanced propulsion concept for human missions to Mars.&nbsp; It is seeking technologies related to NTP for development of the reactors and technologies needed for ground testing.&nbsp; In the area of ground testing, NASA is interested in approaches to efficiently generate high temperature, high flow rate hydrogen.&nbsp; TGV Rockets, Inc., proposes development of a modular pump based on TGV&rsquo;s ElectroCycle motor technology to augment a NTP propellant management system. The pump is based on TGV&rsquo;s ElectroCycle motor technology utilizes cryogenic cooling to boost power density to levels on the order of 11 hp/lb, making it competitive with conventional gas turbine technologies.&nbsp; The electopump approach offers the advantage of predictable flow control, real time engine health management, and tailored mixture ratio control for improved performance. &nbsp;Specific applications include boosting main turbopump performance, smoothing start-up transients, improving shutdown cooling, and distributed flow management . &nbsp;The specific research will size a motor and pump to address NTP start-up transients, evaluate design trades, determine power and thermal requirements, and further investigate opportunities to apply the electropump for performance improvement and reduction of safety risks.</p>