Title:
Development of the Fundamentals of Propulsion Technology Based on In-situ Manufactured Metal Fuels
Agreement Number:
21FAMCGA17
Agreement Value:
$299,937.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 21, 2022 - Mar 31, 2024
Description:
The exploration of the Moon will have to rely on the In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) of Lunar material. This is particularly true for propellants, whose transport from Earth is too expensive. Lunar rocks present a cheap and abundant source of propellant mixtures, as the oxidizer (oxygen) and fuels (metal alloys) can be relatively easily extracted with existing technologies.
The purpose of the project is to advance the design of a propulsion technology, based on the combustion of ISRU-derived metal alloy/liquid oxygen propellants. The main objective of the study consists in providing experimental parameters for the conceptual design of a corresponding rocket engine.
The project will benefit Canada by giving it a unique edge in the development of a cheap and practical technology for Lunar transportation. It will also provide crucial data for the development of the Earth-based concept of metal powders as sustainable zero-carbon carriers of clean energy.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Montreal, Quebec, CA H3A 2T5
Reference Number:
003-2021-2022-Q4-00028
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Recipient's Legal Name:
McGill University
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.