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Completed TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)
The Investigation of Non-condensable and Autogenous Unsettled Cryogenic Pressurization Schemes in Reduced Gravity will demonstrate the pressure control capability of a cryogenic liquid storage tank in reduced gravity. It will examine pressurization directly to the ullage (the top of the liquid’s surface) as well a ssubsurface pressurization. Over three parabolic flights, researchers will investigate the performance of both a non-condensable and autogenous gas in these two schemes. This data is crucial for predicting pressure control capabilities of cryogenic liquid storage tanks.
Problem Statement
Cryogenic tank pressurization is an important architectural element of a future lunar base. Currently, the effect of reduced gravity on pressurant consumption and pressure rise rate is not firmly known. This data is necessary to compare direct and subsurface pressurization schemes with both non-condensable and autogenous gases.
Technology Maturation
Parabolic flight tests will acquire the data needed to develop and validate reduced gravity cryogenic pressurization models, which can improve the design of propulsion and cryogenic transfer systems. Specifically, this demonstration will advance the technology’s readiness for unsettled helium and subsurface pressurization, which are currently at TRL 4 and 5 respectively.
Quantifying differences in pressurization performance across different schemes is crucial for optimal, long-term design of cryogenic liquid storage tanks in reduced gravity. This demonstration would collect the data necessary to improve thermodynamic predictions as well as model tank pressurization and boiloff rates. This would benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.
Future Customers
•Nuclear thermal propulsion systems
•In-space fuel depots
•Liquefaction systems on the Moon and Mars
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