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Microgravity Demonstration of Two-Phase Pumped Loop Technology for Spacecraft Thermal Management
Completed
TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
Description
The Lightweight, Hybrid Screen-Channel Device for Advanced Cryogenic Fluid Management is a liquid acquisition device (LAD) designed to optimize the position of residual liquid in a fuel tank in order to improve expulsion efficiency. It aims to address the need for vapor-free propellant on long-duration missions, particularly the acquisition of propellant from the supply tank and the subsequent transfer to a receiving spacecraft. Creare will leverage four parabolic flights to demonstrate the device’s acquisition capabilities via its screened channel and guide vanes, as well as to evaluate its achievable expulsion efficiency.
Benefits
- Intelligent design: Uses robust laser welding processes to create reliable pore structure? - Temperature regulating: Doubles as an interface heat exchanger ? - Enabling: Is designed to meet the complex demand for efficient refueling on long-duration exploration missions
Future Customers
- Lunar ascent and descent
- Fuel depots Nuclear thermal propulsion systems
- Commercial in-space transfer systems
- Phase separators in two-phase reactors
- Fluid management for two-phase thermal control
Details
| Technology area | Thermal Management Systems > Thermal Control Components and Systems > Heat Transport |
| Program | Flight Opportunities (FO) |
| Lead organization | Creare, LLC, Hanover, NH |
| Start date | 2021-11-01 |
| End date | 2026-02-28 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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