Multiuse Quick Disconnect for Lunar Surface Fluid Transfer Operations

Creare proposes to develop critical sealing technology needed to transfer cryogenic fluids on the lunar surface. We are building on and improving Creare’s existing seal technology, which has already demonstrated the ability to repeatedly produce excellent seals at cryogenic temperatures over many mate/demate cycles. This sealing technology is the key component in quick-disconnect couplings that can be handled easily by astronauts or robotic systems. In Phase I, we demonstrated by test that our seal is dust tolerant, producing leak-tight seals that exceed NASA’s requirements even with prototypical levels of contamination using lunar dust simulant. In Phase II, we will build complete, engineering-model quick-disconnect couplings that incorporate our seals into cryogenic transfer hardware. We will demonstrate by test that the coupling can produce hermetic seals for cryogenic fluid transfer in the laboratory under simulated, dusty lunar surface conditions. We will demonstrate that this performance can be repeated at temperatures down to 20 K after multiple mate/demate cycles, and produce concept designs for couplings that are suitable for manipulation by robotic effectors. We will deliver a prototype coupling to NASA for testing and evaluation.

NASA can use Creare’s seals for (1) fluid transfer operations on the lunar surface, (2) fluid transfers between rocket propellant tanks and orbiting fuel depots, and (3) fluid transfers between satellites and refueling spacecraft. The seal will function for any fluid, but it is especially attractive for rocket propellant management because it functions at cryogenic temperatures. Creare’s quick-disconnect coupling will be attractive for liquefied natural gas handling because of its dust tolerance, low temperature capability, and reusability. The technology can be adapted for use in infrastructure facilities that support use of liquid hydrogen for energy transport and storage, including pumping stations, refrigeration stations, and distribution centers.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.