Reduced Gravity Cryogenic Transfer (RGCT)

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

The goal of this Reduced Gravity Cryogenic Transfer (RGCT) activity is to develop methods and approaches to reduce cryogen propellant mass loss due to line and receiver tank chilldown during transfer operations and validate them through analysis and testing. Objectives of this activity include:

Development of Heat Transfer Correlations, Optimal Pulse Flow, & Optimal Thermal Coating Thickness conducted by Aerospace Corporation.
Chilldown tests & development of Two-Phase Pressure Drop Correlations conducted by the University of Florida.

Benefits

Advancement of predictive tank and line chilldown microgravity models are required for future in-space cryogenic transfer system designs

Details

Technology area	Thermal Management Systems > Cryogenic Systems > In-Space Propellant Storage and Use
Program	Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM)
Lead organization	Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Start date	2018-10-01
End date	2026-06-30

Project contacts

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

Christopher R Clayton — chris.clayton@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.