BOZEMAN, Mont. - MSE Technology Applications, Inc., of Butte, Montana, recently signed an agreement with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, for advanced research on deep space propulsion systems. The new agreement, which was brokered by the NASA-MSU TechLink Center in Bozeman, enables MSE and JPL to collaborate on space-related research and development activities.

MSE is one of Montana's largest research and development companies and is already well known nationally for its research on energy-related and environmental technologies. It has been conducting research in the advanced propulsion area for NASA for the past several years and currently has contracts with four other NASA centers.

MSE's computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling capabilities will contribute to JPL's development of new propulsion technologies for deep space exploration, including pulsed plasma thrusters and fusion propulsion devices. MSE has developed ways to test new space engine designs using high-performance computers-in effect, creating a virtual environment that simulates these engine designs operating in deep space conditions. These tests allow existing engine designs to be improved and theoretical designs to be evaluated. Within this virtual environment, engine thrust and efficiency can be measured along with other performance characteristics. MSE's CFD modeling capabilities will specifically support JPL's development of the Mars Cargo Vehicle.

Under the agreement, other MSE aerospace technologies, such as its magnetic nozzle technology, will also be evaluated for use in JPL's deep space propulsion systems. This project is expected to help MSE successfully develop and commercialize its advanced propulsion technologies.

This agreement is the second joint research project that the NASA-MSU TechLink Center has established between Montana companies and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory during the last year. TechLink is funded by NASA to link companies in Montana and the surrounding region with NASA centers for joint research and technology transfer. Its overriding purpose is to contribute to the success of both high-tech companies and traditional resource-based industries in the state and region.

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