NASA selects USNC for ultra-high temperature component testing facility (Image Credit: Space Daily)
USNC Advanced Technologies, a division of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), announces it has been selected by NASA to receive a Phase II SBIR contract to develop a proposed ultra-high temperature material testing facility. The specialized equipment could provide an essential terrestrial environment for testing the performance of materials planned for use in space-based nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems.
The demanding requirements for NTP systems necessitate development of breakthrough refractory and ceramic materials capable of performing in extremely high temperatures. Phase II of the SBIR will enable USNC-Tech to construct and operate a system capable of conducting sophisticated tests to verify the performances of key materials in a prototypical environment.
“Construction of the proposed testing and evaluation infrastructure is critical to the success of USNC-Tech’s larger SNPP commercialization plans, as well as use of NTP engines for the safe transportation of astronaut crews to Mars,” said Dr. Paolo Venneri, Executive Vice President of USNC-Tech.
“We’re developing breakthrough approaches and technologies that will mimic extreme extraterrestrial environments, providing the insights required to usher in the next phase of space travel and exploration.”
The testing facilities will be capable of material evaluation in a vacuum, hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon atmospheres at temperatures up to 2,700C (2,972K, 4,892F), supporting both contact and non-contact measurement methods. This dual capability could provide essential performance data for materials critical to the next phase of space travel and exploration.
“Development of this testing infrastructure is vital to the space community’s near-term NTP efforts but that’s just the start,” said Tom Crotzer, Senior Process and Hardware Development Engineer, USNC Advanced Technologies. “Evaluating key mechanical properties of NTP materials ranging from tensile strength to thermal fatigue response will be a critical capability for years to come.”
Related Links
USNC Advanced Technologies
Space Technology News – Applications and Research
|
|
Tweet |
|
|
|
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook – our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don’t have a paywall – with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution. |
||
|
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5+ Billed Monthly |
 |
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal |
AFRL is developing green power for satellites
Kirtland AFB NM (SPX) Apr 22, 2022
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate is developing a new “green energy” fuel cell technology, that will allow thruster equipped spacecraft to convert chemical energy in its bipropellant into electrical power.
This technology, called BEEPS for Bipropellant Enabled Electrical Power Supply, is being developed by a three-year Seedlings for Disruptive Capabilities Program effort that recently completed its 18th month of work.
“The solid oxide fuel cells created b … read more
