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RCS Tank Operations Using Cryocoolers
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
Description
The proposed RCS gas generation system integrates with existing active CFM hardware to manage temperature and pressure for the propellant, vaporizer, and RCS tanks. Innovative integration with the waste heat and cooling power of the cryocoolers, an essential part of CFM hardware for long duration, cryogenically propelled missions, enables the propellant to be vaporized and heated to the required 300K and 3000psi at the necessary rates (0.1g/s for hydrogen, 0.3g/s for methane, and 0.5g/s for oxygen). Utilizing the cooling power of the cryocooler means any remaining gaseous propellant in the vaporizer tank after transfer to the RCS accumulator can be chilled and condensed. Chilling and condensing the propellant prepares the vaporizer tank for the next transfer from the propellant tank and reduces the need to vent the vaporizer tank between fill events. This limits propellant loss by reducing the number of venting events throughout the mission. Managing RCS gas generation through an on-board cryocooler reduces the mass and power requirements of the gas generation system and reduces the mass of needed propellant by reducing the number of propellant venting events.
Benefits
Extended cryogenically propelled lunar and Mars missions ISRU systems High-pressure gas filling for long-term, cryogenic propellant storage in space
cryogenic storage dewars for medical systems pressure and temperature control of storage dewars used to transport cryogens
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems > Chemical Space Propulsion > Integrated Systems and Ancillary Technologies |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Sierra Lobo, Inc., Fremont, OH |
| Start date | 2021-05-19 |
| End date | 2021-11-19 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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