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Propellant Mass Gauging in Microgravity with Electrical Capacitance Tomography
Completed
TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
Description
Better mass gauging accuracy in launch vehicle and spacecraft propellant tanks reduces uncertainty, residuals, and required margins, which reduces risk and increases performance. The Propellant Mass Gauging in Microgravity with Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) experiment aims to determine if ECT enables better mass gauging accuracy at all fill levels. When tested in 1 g, ECT worked during slosh and boiling. It should, theoretically, work for free-floating and variable-density liquids, making it applicable to all phases of launch vehicle and spacecraft flight. ECT uniquely tracks propellant distribution in 3D in real time.
TFAWS2022 briefingPropellant Mass Gauging in Microgravity with Electrical Capacitance Tomography (2023 NASA Technical Publication)Benefits
Better mass gauging accuracy in launch vehicle and spacecraft propellant tanks reduces uncertainty, residuals, and required margins, which decreases risk and increases performance. The Propellant Mass Gauging in Microgravity with Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) experiment aims to determine if ECT enables better mass gauging accuracy at all fill levels. When tested in 1 g, ECT worked during slosh and boiling. Researchers will test the system to ensure it works for free-floating and variable-density liquids, making it applicable to all phases of launch vehicle and spacecraft flight. ECT tracks propellant distribution in 3D in real time. This has the potential to benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems > Electric Space Propulsion > Integrated Systems and Ancillary Technologies |
| Program | Flight Opportunities (FO) |
| Lead organization | Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, FL |
| Start date | 2021-08-01 |
| End date | 2024-08-31 |
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