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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Project Objective
Develop a a breadboard Thermal Control System (TCS) architecture utilizing an inert gas or mixture as an external heat transfer fluid.
Project Description
A Thermal Control System (TCS) architecture utilizing an inert gas (e.g.; He; Xe; N2; etc.) or mixture as an external heat transfer fluid is proposed for NASA’s Moon and Cislunar-to-Mars Habitat and Spacecraft mission portfolio. Inert gases could mitigate many of the shortcomings of traditional heat transfer fluids and would directly address STMD Gap 537 Novel Heat Transfer Fluids. Choices for viable external loop coolants are limited because of recent curtailed production of fluorinated compounds due to environmental concerns, sufficiently low freezing points for dormancy or survive-the-night operation, crew toxicity and/or thermo-physical performance. 0.30 FTE and $88K of procurement (WYE+ODC) was allocated to the winning proposal to design, procure, and develop a breadboard Thermal Control System (TCS) utilizing an inert gas and demonstrate operation in a relevant environment. This technology would mitigate dormancy, toxicity, performance, and freezing point concerns associated with currently available coolants and enable NASA's future for many missions in the Moon and Cislunar-to-Mars portfolio.
Procurement was delayed in 2025 so an extension to mid-2026 for completion is in work. Most hardware to fabricate the test article has been received. A contract for the cryo-fan has been awarded and delivery is expected in April 2026.
description previously published (edit as needed): A Thermal Control System (TCS) architecture; utilizing an inert gas (e.g.; He; Xe; N2; etc.) or mixture as an external heat transfer fluid; is proposed for NASA’s Moon and Cislunar-to-Mars Habitat and Spacecraft mission portfolio. Inert gases could mitigate many of the shortcomings of traditional heat transfer fluids and would directly address STMD Gap 537 Novel Heat Transfer Fluids. Choices for viable external loop coolants are limited because of recent curtailed production of fluorinated compounds due to environmental concerns; sufficiently low freezing points for dormancy or survive-the-night operation; crew toxicity and/or thermo-physical performance. 0.30 FTE and $88K of procurement (WYE+ODC) was allocated to the winning proposal to design; procure and develop a breadboard Thermal Control System (TCS) utilizing an inert gas and demonstrate operation in a relevant environment. This technology would mitigate dormancy; toxicity; performance and freezing point concerns associated with currently available coolants and enable NASA's future for many missions in the Moon and Cislunar-to-Mars portfolio.
Procurement was delayed in 2025 so an extension to mid-2026 for completion is in work. Most hardware to fabricate the test article has been received. A contract for the cryo-fan has been awarded and delivery is expected in April 2026.
Project Results and Conclusions
Provide one to three paragraphs listing specific accomplishments, technology development milestones, data and results, or constructed hardware for the calendar year. Include lessons learned if applicable.
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