Description: Deployable aerodynamic decelerators are an enabling technology for missions to planets and moons with atmospheres as well as for returning payloads to Earth. These decelerators require a gas source for inflation, and the objective is to develop a noncombustible gas generator which will enable a wider range of applications, including near-term commercial applications, in the Earth environment. Anasphere has previously demonstrated hydrogen generators suitable for use with Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs). In the present project, the gas storage medium in this baseline design will be changed to produce a mixture of two gases that will form the bulk of a noncombustible gas mixture. A makeup gas component will be produced by a separate element of the system to yield a final mixture which is noncombustible under Earth atmospheric conditions. Phase I work will focus on the new features of the system with particular emphasis on how the makeup gas is generated. A small proof-of-concept generator will be built and tested to show that a noncombustible gas mixture is produced. Phase II work would include scaling up the new design and subjecting it to extensive environmental tests. Target markets include HIADs used for launch vehicle asset return and payload return from Earth orbit.

Benefits: The primary NASA application will be Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs) as planned for use on missions to planets and moons with atmospheres as well as returning payloads to Earth. Low-cost access to space will be enabled by HIAD systems which apply this generator technology because HIADs offer a practical means of recovering launch vehicle components such as engines. Commercial space ventures can also apply HIAD technology for the more efficient return of material to Earth.