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Completed TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)
The Microgravity Testing of Lightweight, Reliable Cryogenic Screen Channel Acquisition Devices with High Expulsion Efficiency project tests a device designed to advance storage and transfer of cryogenic fuels on the lunar surface and in orbit. This lightweight cryogenic liquid acquisition device (LAD) consists of metal mesh screen channels, a screened sump, and guide vanes. The hybrid capillary structures position the residual liquid in the tank to optimum locations to maintain liquid supply for LAD screen surfaces, enhancing expulsion efficiency. The technology has previously completed a parabolic flight campaign, and the experiments performed through these additional flight tests aim to further improve the quality of test data, allow more comprehensive characterization of LAD performance, and promote further technical maturity.
Problem Statement Technology for refueling liquid propellants in microgravity is required for long-distance spaceflights of vehicles with large payloads. A challenge for refueling cryogenic propellants in space is the acquisition of vapor-free liquid propellant from the supply tank and its subsequent transfer to the receiving tank of a spacecraft. This hybrid LAD addresses this need by synergistically combining screen channel flow structures and lightweight guide vanes. Screen-channel LADs are highly advantageous for systems with high-demand flow rates; however, there are currently no cryogenic LADs qualified for spaceflight.
Technology Maturation These tests, to be performed on four Zero Gravity Corporation parabolic flights, are expected to demonstrate steady liquid propellant acquisition via the screened channel and guide vanes during various flow conditions without breakdown. They will also evaluate the achievable expulsion efficiency as a function of demand flow. Data aims to confirm viability of the technology in microgravity and will also be used to anchor existing LAD design models, including guide vane performance.
The flight tests aim to advance this technology from technology readiness level (TRL) 5 to TRL 6. It is anticipated that this will enable its infusion into cryogenic propellant transfer systems, including those being developed for NASA’s Artemis program and commercial missions.
This work is a continuation of previous flight testing under T0311-P and T0337-S.
Summary of Flight Test
2024-04-15 Creare has successfully demonstrated our innovative hybrid screen channel liquid acquisition device (LAD) for cryogenic propellent transfer in microgravity conditions. The LAD consists of flow structures fabricated from microporous metal mesh using advanced laser welding methods, and lightweight guide vanes to promote high expulsion efficiency. This technology has applications to on-orbit refueling of propellant tanks for future long duration space missions. Funding for the development and testing of this technology was provided by the NASA SBIR program and NASA Flight Opportunities.
- Higher flow rates: The screen enables relatively higher flow rates under more adverse accelerations and promotes higher resistance to gas ingestion.
- Robust: LAD is assembled using advanced laser welding processes that do not impact microporous structure.
Future Customers
- Lunar ascent/descent
- Cryogenic fuel depots and in-space transfer
- Nuclear thermal propulsion
- Phase separators in two-phase bio and chemical reactors and fluid management in two-phase thermal
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