2432831
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR Phase I: Fluctuation flow propulsion - The broader impact/commercial potential of this Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is based on a new type of space vehicle propulsion (the initial product will be a reaction control system) that operates with fluctuation flow based propulsion and has a long operation lifetime with a compact and lightweight form factor.
It enables orders of magnitude greater maneuver capability than current state-of-the-art electric or chemical propulsion.
Space vehicles will be able to operate longer on station and will have the freedom to change inclinations and altitudes to optimize mission performance.
It will significantly increase the US leadership in the space industry, speeding the deployment of space-based services that will greatly help society and the American public.
Fluctuation flow propulsion supports the national defense of the United States by enabling rapid redeployment and tasking of space assets to respond to current requirements and potential threats.
The breakthrough improvement in propulsion performance will also enable efficient and high-speed interplanetary travel, opening opportunities for deep space exploration missions, asteroid mining ventures, and scientific expeditions.
The innovation will enhance our understanding of how quantum vacuum fluctuations interact with and can be controlled by asymmetric nanostructures and potentials.
This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a new type of propulsion based on the motive forces predicted to be generated from the interaction between quantum vacuum fluctuations and asymmetric nanostructures and potentials such are found in resonant tunneling diodes.
Asymmetric nanostructure devices will be fabricated on micron-scale cantilevers.
The cantilevers will be deflected by the force generated.
The amount of deflection will be measured using white-light interferometry and the associated force will be determined.
A parametric series of device configurations will be measured, and steps will be taken to ensure that there are no outside factors (such as vibrational, thermal, and electromagnetic effects) influencing the results.
The devices will be measured in both up and down orientations which will change the direction of the force, making it readily discernible from other factors and the influence of gravity.
The proposed experiments will be the first measurements of vacuum fluctuation based motive forces.
The experimental results will enhance our understanding of the quantum vacuum and will be the first time broken symmetry has been proven to control vacuum fluctuation behavior.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
It enables orders of magnitude greater maneuver capability than current state-of-the-art electric or chemical propulsion.
Space vehicles will be able to operate longer on station and will have the freedom to change inclinations and altitudes to optimize mission performance.
It will significantly increase the US leadership in the space industry, speeding the deployment of space-based services that will greatly help society and the American public.
Fluctuation flow propulsion supports the national defense of the United States by enabling rapid redeployment and tasking of space assets to respond to current requirements and potential threats.
The breakthrough improvement in propulsion performance will also enable efficient and high-speed interplanetary travel, opening opportunities for deep space exploration missions, asteroid mining ventures, and scientific expeditions.
The innovation will enhance our understanding of how quantum vacuum fluctuations interact with and can be controlled by asymmetric nanostructures and potentials.
This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a new type of propulsion based on the motive forces predicted to be generated from the interaction between quantum vacuum fluctuations and asymmetric nanostructures and potentials such are found in resonant tunneling diodes.
Asymmetric nanostructure devices will be fabricated on micron-scale cantilevers.
The cantilevers will be deflected by the force generated.
The amount of deflection will be measured using white-light interferometry and the associated force will be determined.
A parametric series of device configurations will be measured, and steps will be taken to ensure that there are no outside factors (such as vibrational, thermal, and electromagnetic effects) influencing the results.
The devices will be measured in both up and down orientations which will change the direction of the force, making it readily discernible from other factors and the influence of gravity.
The proposed experiments will be the first measurements of vacuum fluctuation based motive forces.
The experimental results will enhance our understanding of the quantum vacuum and will be the first time broken symmetry has been proven to control vacuum fluctuation behavior.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE I", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23515
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Savannah,
Georgia
31405-5480
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Unlab was awarded
Project Grant 2432831
worth $275,000
from National Science Foundation in August 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Savannah Georgia United States.
The grant
has a duration of 1 year and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I: Fluctuation Flow Propulsion
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is based on a new type of space vehicle propulsion (the initial product will be a reaction control system) that operates with fluctuation flow based propulsion and has a long operation lifetime with a compact and lightweight form factor. It enables orders of magnitude greater maneuver capability than current state-of-the-art electric or chemical propulsion. Space vehicles will be able to operate longer on station and will have the freedom to change inclinations and altitudes to optimize mission performance. It will significantly increase the US leadership in the space industry, speeding the deployment of space-based services that will greatly help society and the American public. Fluctuation flow propulsion supports the national defense of the United States by enabling rapid redeployment and tasking of space assets to respond to current requirements and potential threats. The breakthrough improvement in propulsion performance will also enable efficient and high-speed interplanetary travel, opening opportunities for deep space exploration missions, asteroid mining ventures, and scientific expeditions. The innovation will enhance our understanding of how quantum vacuum fluctuations interact with and can be controlled by asymmetric nanostructures and potentials.
This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a new type of propulsion based on the motive forces predicted to be generated from the interaction between quantum vacuum fluctuations and asymmetric nanostructures and potentials such are found in Resonant Tunneling Diodes. Asymmetric nanostructure devices will be fabricated on micron-scale cantilevers. The cantilevers will be deflected by the force generated. The amount of defection will be measured using white-light interferometry and the associated force will be determined. A parametric series of device configurations will be measured, and steps will be taken to ensure that that there are no outside factors (such as vibrational, thermal, and electromagnetic effects) influencing the results. The devices will be measured in both up and down orientations which will change the direction of the force, making it readily discernible from other factors and the influence of gravity. The proposed experiments will be the first measurements of vacuum fluctuation based motive forces. The experimental results will enhance our understanding of the quantum vacuum and will be the first-time broken symmetry has been proven to control vacuum fluctuation behavior.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
SP
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515
Status
(Complete)
Last Modified 8/27/24
Period of Performance
8/15/24
Start Date
7/31/25
End Date
Funding Split
$275.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$275.0K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2432831
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
G9XAGDKH1WQ3
Awardee CAGE
9QT42
Performance District
GA-01
Senators
Jon Ossoff
Raphael Warnock
Raphael Warnock
Modified: 8/27/24