Development of a Revolutionary Approach for Efficient Microgravity Transfer Line Chilldown

The extension of human space exploration from a low earth orbit to a high earth orbit, then to Moon, Mars, and possibly asteroids and moons of other planets is one of NASA’s biggest challenges for the new millennium. Integral to this is the effective, affordable, and reliable supply of cryogenic fluids. The efficient and safe utilization of cryogenic fluids in thermal management, power and propulsion, and life support systems of a spacecraft during space missions involves the transport, handling, and storage of these fluids in terrestrial, reduced gravity and near-zero gravity conditions. This work is a continuation of flight testing under T0035. Further work continues under T0189. Problem Statement When transferring propellant from a supply tank to a receiver tank, the transfer pipe and receiver tank are at a very high temperature compared to the propellant. Chilldown is the process of introducing the cryogenic propellant into the system, forcing the hardware to cool down to the liquid temperature. The propellant boils off as it cools the line and tank until they reach the liquid temperature. Since the propellant is only storable and useful to the engine in pure liquid form, this vaporized propellant is vented overboard and considered lost. Efficiency for pipe chilldown is very low in 0g, much lower than chilldown in normal gravity due to the different flow patterns that occur. Only 8% of the cooling capability of cryogen is used and 25% of the propellant is spent during propellant transfer. This effort is focused on 0g chilldown of the transfer pipe, although this project is also considered a stepping stone to eventually performing 0g chilldown of a receiver tank.

This approach will improve pipes chilldown time and reduce propellant losses. It will benefit future NASA missions that require in-space fuel transfer.

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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