SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to develop a miniature, low RF noise ignition module for NOFBX propulsion systems. This ignition module is designed utilizing unique properties of the NOFBX propellant to enable a potential 2-3 order magnitude reduction in spark ignition energy, voltage, current, and power under a very special set of condition realized only in an NOFBX combustion chamber.

NOFBX propulsion technology is being developed actively for a number of applications including a flight experiment on the International Space Station NOFBX propellant has unique electrical properties that allow the potential for development of an extremely low energy ignition mechanism when coupled with the design of an NOFBX combustion chamber. This has the potential for dramatically reducing the volume, mass, voltage, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. The development we are proposing is a very low energy ignition system that utilizes the unique attributes of the NOFBXTM propellant that minimizes the volume, mass, and voltage of a block redundant system to be used in NOFBX propulsion systems.