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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 areaThermal Management Systems > Thermal Control Components and Systems > Heat Transport
ProgramFlight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organizationCreare, LLC, Hanover, NH
Start date2021-11-01
End date2026-02-28

Project contacts

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

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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