SBIR Phase I: OPTIMUS - An Innovative Modular Turbomachinery System for Small Satellite Launch Propulsion Systems

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是改进卫星发射工业的新泵。小型卫星支持许多应用，如全球互联网和通信覆盖，以及地球和环境成像。提出的技术将支持推进系统以更高的效率。该项目将探索创建3D打印高效推进子系统所需的高性能设计和制造技术。该系统被设计为模块化、可扩展和适应性强，利用了许多先进的设计和制造技术，如增材制造。这项小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目将支持发射行业首个商用涡轮驱动泵系统的研究和开发，用于卫星发射行业。该创新将典型涡轮泵的成本和部件数量降低了10倍，并且可以快速配置以满足推力、发动机循环和推进剂组合的要求。拟议的项目将探索新型火箭发动机涡轮泵系统的性价比贸易空间。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project is to improve new pumps for the satellite launch industry. Small satellites support many applications such as global Internet and communication coverage, as well as earth and environmental imaging. The proposed technology will support propulsion systems with higher efficiency. This project will explore high-performing design and manufacturing techniques required to create a 3D printed, high-efficiency propulsion sub-system. The system is designed to be modular, scalable, and adaptable by leveraging many advanced design and manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will support the research and development of the launch industry’s first commercially available turbine-driven pump system for the satellite launch industry. The innovation reduces typical turbopump cost and part count by a factor of 10, and can be rapidly configured to meet requirements for thrust, engine cycle, and propellant combinations. The proposed project will explore the cost-performance trade space for a novel rocket engine turbopump system.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.