Small Spacecraft Transfer-stage Aluminized Rocket (Small STAR)
Status: Completed
Start Date: 2022-07-25
End Date: 2023-01-25
Description: During the proposed Phase II research and development effort, the project team will integrate previously demonstrated technologies into a low-cost transfer stage based on a high energy density, aluminized, green monopropellant. The resulting stage will achieve the Mass Fraction and Specific Impulse performance needed to send small-spacecraft payloads in the near term to the cislunar environment, with longer term potential for farther destinations such as near-Earth objects, Mars, or Venus. The stage will be designed to provide support services to the spacecraft post-deployment, such as communications relay or positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. The Phase I program will conclude with a hot-fire demonstration of the propulsion system.
Benefits: Small spacecraft transfer stage/upper stage propulsion systems for Small Launch Vehicles
Low cost space lift, exploration missions to the moon and Mars
Low cost space lift, exploration missions to the moon and Mars
Lead Organization: Exquadrum, Inc.