EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFRL PR) – A recently signed Air Force Research Laboratory patent licensing agreement will enable commercialization of a green alternative to hydrazine for spacecraft propulsion.

The AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQ) signed a patent license agreement with Digital Solid State Propulsion Inc., a small business located in Reno, Nevada.  Under the agreement, the company will produce and sell the Air Force developed monopropellant, AF-M315E. The PLA was coupled with a cooperative research and development agreement that allows AFRL scientists to collaborate with the company to provide technical knowledge and advice.

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CubeSat

NASA is continuing to fund the development of CubeSat and smallsat technology through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Last week, the agency announced it had selected at least 20 research projects focused on these classes of satellites. The proposals were selected for SBIR, SBIR Select and STTR Phase I awards.

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CubeSat

NASA has selected three projects for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II awards that focus on propulsion, laser communications and attitude control for advanced CubeSat missions.

Digital Solid State Propulsion of Reno, Nev., and QorTek of Williamsburgh, Pa., was selected for a SBIR awards worth up to $750,000 apiece for their propulsion and attitude control proposals., respectively.  Fibertek of Herndon, Va., was chosen for a SBIR Select award worth up to $1.5 million.

Phase III, or the commercialization of an innovation, may occur after successful completion of Phase II.

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