Anasphere has been developing robust, solid-state hydrogen gas generators since 2011. Our patented generators produce dry hydrogen gas at a rapid and controlled rate. The primary space-related application for these generators is the inflation of
Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators, or HIADs.
These generators are scalable, with quantities of gas generated ranging from less than 100 normal liters to over 20,000 normal liters. Their all-solid-state construction ensures that they are storable for long periods, in space or otherwise. The generators are pyrotechnic devices and can be initiated using conventional pyrotechnic initiators.
Development History
Anasphere's controlled-rate pyrotechnic gas generators have their design roots in an Air Force project to launch balloon-borne radiosondes from the flare dispensers of F-16s. Starting from that demanding environment, they have found applications in other unique areas where their excellent volumetric efficiency and rugged construction are essential. Most recently, they have found a home inflating HIADs for NASA. The following timeline summarizes the development history of these generators from a space application perspective:
2011: Initial Air Force Phase I SBIR funding for MALRD (Miniature Air-Launched Rawinsonde and Dropsonde): gas generation for a balloon-borne radiosonde launched from a flare cartridge
2014: DARPA funding for scaled-up generators
2017: NASA Phase I SBIR funding for HIAD inflation
2018: NASA Phase II SBIR funding for HIAD inflation
2019: NASA Announcement of Collaborative Opportunity (ACO) award to complete environmental testing of the hydrogen generators; 250 normal liter (pictured below) and 5000 normal liter versions were delivered
2021: NASA Phase I SBIR funding for improved gas generators
2022: NASA Phase II SBIR funding for improved gas generators
2022: NASA IDIQ award for gas generators for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators
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