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T0299-S

A Suborbital Evaluation of Paraffin and Beeswax Formation in Microgravity for Low-Earth-Orbit Propulsion Applications

PI: Danielle Wood, Javier Stober (Co-I), Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT’s Space Enabled research group is investigating in-space wax manufacturing to enable low-cost, non-toxic propulsion systems for small satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), helping to foster LEO-based commercial activity. The group’s Suborbital Evaluation of Paraffin and Beeswax Formation in Microgravity for LEO Propulsion Applicationswill investigate wax as a safe substitute to satellite fuels, with potential cost, safety, and performance advantages. This knowledge payload will study the dynamics of waxduring a centrifugal casting process that aligns it into annular geometry for use as afuel grain for hybrid propulsion systems.

Technology Areas (?)
  • NA
Problem Statement

Currently used in-space propellants such as hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide are toxic and difficult to procure. Typical hypergolic propulsion will prove costly for space commerce, while wax-based hybrid rocket propulsion offers an inexpensive, non-toxic alternative that can be burned with various oxidizers. The ability to centrifugally castwaxes in microgravity may enable on-demand fuel grain manufacturing appropriate for various LEO applications. However, to demonstrate the viability of this new technology it must be tested in a microgravity environment.

Technology Maturation

This investigation will explore in-space manufacturing of wax to enable low-cost, non-toxic propulsion systems for small satellites in LEO to help foster commercial activity by creating new, non-toxic and less expensive methods for small satellite propulsion. Parabolic flights will test the casting ability of wax analogs (water and oil), paraffin, and beeswax under microgravity. An experiment aboard a rocket-powered system will compare the cooling and solidification rates of these materials.

Future Customers

•NASA and commercial space organizations looking for orbital maneuvering that conform with sustainability guidelines for LEO
•LEO-based small satellites

Technology Details

  • Selection Date
    TechFlights20 (Sep 2020)
  • Program Status
    Active
  • Current TRL (?)
    Unknown
    Successful FOP Flights
  • 0 sRLV

Development Team

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