Featured Technologies & IP Portfolio
DRM’s innovation portfolio is built on advanced technologies originally developed at NASA, with the potential for further development in commercial and mission-driven applications. These systems provide high-impact solutions for space missions and advanced manufacturing.
Thermocapillary-Driven Molten Oxide Electrochemical Reduction (Patent pending; NASA granted rights to inventors)
This innovative molten oxide electrochemical process uses Marangoni-driven transport and controlled wetting to efficiently produce metals and oxygen from metal-oxide ores and lunar regolith under vacuum or reduced-pressure conditions. Unlike traditional molten oxide electrolysis systems that rely on bulk transport, this breakthrough technology creates a thermocapillary-driven electrochemical environment in which surface-adhered thin films act as active reaction zones. This design significantly increases the electrochemically active surface area, allows precise control over product transportation, enables partial separation of metal products, and supports quick release and collection of pure gaseous oxygen. Consequently, it provides a highly effective and scalable solution for resource extraction both on Earth and in space.
Gas-Controlled Sintering & High-Strength Materials Processing (currently under NASA review)
Innovative processing techniques use controlled atmospheres to produce high-strength materials with improved microstructural uniformity and fewer defects. This new method overcomes the limitations of traditional high-temperature sintering and curing by creating fully dense, defect-free materials with consistent mechanical properties, suitable for high-value industries such as advanced ceramics (Al2O3, ZrO2, SiC), refractories (MgO, mullite), nuclear fuels (UO2, MOX pellets), and energy devices like solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC).
Ambient-Temperature CO₂-to-O₂ Electrochemical Conversion Systems (currently under NASA review)
Electrochemical platforms enable the direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen and solid carbon under near-ambient conditions. This technology has the potential to transform life support systems, decarbonization efforts, and closed-loop environmental control systems. A proprietary catalyst design prevents carbon fouling, and continuous electrolyte flow removes loosely bound carbon, maintaining high current densities and ongoing operation over extended periods.