Flight Works announced has been selected by AFWERX for a Direct-to-Phase 2 (D2P2) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract that will support rapid response and sustainable space operations capabilities for the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
The almost $2 million contract will focus on the development of compact plug-and-play pump-fed propulsion modules suitable for hydrazine, hypergols and green propellants (artistic rendition below). These modules have built-in refueling capability with precise propellant metering.
Being able to refuel spacecrafts on-orbit is key to enabling sustained maneuver and dynamic space operations. With Tetra-5 and Tetra-6, the U.S. Space Force is investing in key technologies to demonstrate on-orbit refueling with the goal of transitioning to routine operations. This requires precise metering of the amount of propellant transferred during a refueling operation, and knowing the amount consumed during maneuvers. The D2P2 focuses on technologies to address these critical needs.
This program complements ongoing development of advanced micropumps and other components designed for hydrazine, hypergols and green propellants, and that of green propulsion systems such as AFRL’s Modular Propulsion System (MODPROP), and the NASA funded Orbital Maneuvering and Servicing Vehicles.
With the development of modular, easily configurable feed systems with integrated metering capability, this program aims both at reducing system development schedule and costs, while providing key capabilities needed for sustainable, dynamic space maneuvering,” said Dr. Eric Besnard, President & CEO of Flight Works.
About Flight Works, Inc.
Flight Works provides enabling solutions from Earth to Space over a wide range of applications and markets, from life-changing medical implants to space mobility and servicing technologies. Flight Works has been serving aerospace, medical, chemical, energy and other industries with high-tech, miniature fluidic components for over twenty years and is now expanding into systems to support the emerging space mobility and servicing economy.