Energy & Sustainability Frontier
The Energy & Sustainability Frontier at the Aerospace Center is at the forefront of innovative energy solutions, advancing research from sub-pilot to commercial-scale in fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy technologies. Our mission is to drive sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy systems that support both terrestrial and space applications, contributing to national security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
Key Research Areas:
Advanced Fossil Energy & Carbon Management
- Developing next-generation clean energy technologies that reduce carbon emissions (CO2, NOX, SOX, particular matter, etc.) while maximizing thermal efficiency.
- Innovating carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) solutions to minimize the environmental impact of fossil fuel use.
- Designing novel & advanced nanocatalytic systems for converting carbon dioxide into valuable products for space applications while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint on Earth.
Nuclear Energy & Space Power Systems
- Advancing microreactor and modular nuclear technologies for space and terrestrial applications.
- Developing innovative materials with high resistance to harsh environments for nuclear reactors.
- Researching radioisotope power systems (RPS) and fission surface power to enable long-duration space missions and off-grid energy solutions.
Renewable Energy & Sustainable Power Solutions
- Driving solar, wind, and bioenergy innovations to support commercial and defense energy resilience.
- Exploring green, blue, and turquoise hydrogen as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, storage, and utilization for net zero-emission power generation.
Prototype-to-Commercial Demonstration & Testing
- Providing end-to-end technology development, from concept validation to full-scale implementation.
- Offering state-of-the-art testing and evaluation for commercial energy solutions, ensuring reliability and performance in extreme environments.
Energy Conversion, Storage & Grid Resiliency
- Developing advanced battery technologies, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and energy conversion/storage systems to enhance grid stability, energy security, and space power applications.
- Exploring AI-driven energy management and smart grid technologies to optimize power distribution and efficiency.
By bridging cutting-edge research with real-world implementation, the Energy & Sustainability Frontier is driving the future of clean energy, power resilience, and sustainable solutions for both Earth and space exploration.
