Development of New Technologies for Modified Collins Cycle Expanders

Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

We propose to develop technologies appropriate to a high-efficiency, multi-stage recuperative cryocooler that can provide tens to hundreds of Watts of refrigeration capacity for application such as the liquefaction and storage of methane (110 K), oxygen (90 K), and hydrogen (20 K). On the larger scale these coolers could be used to liquefy cryogenic fuels and oxidizers that might be generated at a remote site. They could also be used to provide cooling during long-range missions providing cooling for cryogens; and possibly, for superconducting-magnet-based radiation shielding. In addition, these coolers can be further staged to provide significant 4 K cooling to support space telescopes and instruments for infrared astronomy and for instruments using low temperature detectors.

Benefits

This project will provide more efficient and lighter coolers capable of cooling to temperature from 4 K to 90+ K, more stable operation of the Collins Stage, and a new generation of cryocoolers capable of delivering cooling from the small to the medium-large scale. This impact for NASA would primarily be a system that can efficiently provide cooling at 4 K (detector technology) or large scale cooling (for cooling fuels or oxidants). An additional benefit is with the reliability of the control system fully established, commercial systems are likely to be attractive.

Details

Technology area	Propulsion Systems > Electric Space Propulsion > Integrated Systems and Ancillary Technologies
Program	Space Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organization	Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Start date	2021-01-01
End date	2026-02-28

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Jeff Feller — Jeffrey.R.Feller@nasa.gov
John Brisson

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.