Improved Solid-State Hydrogen Gas Generator

Deployable aerodynamic decelerators are an enabling technology for missions to planets and moons with atmospheres as well as for returning payloads to Earth.nbsp; These decelerators require a gas source for inflation, and the objective is to further advance solid-state hydrogen gas generators.Anasphere has demonstrated a gas generator suitable for use with Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs).nbsp; Subsequent research has shown that a far more mass-efficient design may be built using an alternative construction method coupled with similar but improved chemistry. Phase I work will involve optimizing the chemistry of the system components to ensure that the generators remain compatible with HIADs.nbsp; Specifically, the new design exposes the HIAD to more species than just hydrogen, and these species will be identified, quantified, and reduced or controlled as necessary.nbsp; Test generators will be built to demonstrate filtration and cooling technologies required to implement the more mass-efficient design.Phase II work will include scaling up the new design and subjecting it to extensive environmental tests.