The high specific impulse of cryogenic propellants can provide a significant performance advantage for in-space transfer vehicles. The upper stages of the Saturn V and various commercial expendable launch vehicles have used liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants; however, the application of cryogenic propellants has been limited to relatively short duration missions due to the propensity of cryogens to absorb environmental heat resulting in fluid losses. Utilizing advanced cryogenic propellant technologies can enable the efficient use of high performance propellants for long duration missions. Crewed mission architectures for beyond low Earth orbit exploration can significantly benefit from this capability by developing realistic launch spacing for multiple launch missions, by prepositioning stages and by staging propellants at an in-space depot. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration through the Office of the Chief Technologist is formulating a Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer Technology Demonstration Mission to mitigate the technical and programmatic risks of infusing these advanced technologies into the development of future cryogenic propellant stages or in-space propellant depots. NASA is seeking an innovative path for human space exploration, which strengthens the capability to extend human and robotic presence throughout the solar system. This mission will test and validate key cryogenic technological capabilities and has the objectives of demonstrating advanced thermal control technologies to minimize propellant loss during loiter, demonstrating robust operation in a microgravity environment, and demonstrating efficient propellant transfer on orbit. The status of the demonstration mission concept development, technology demonstration planning and technology maturation activities in preparation for flight system development are described.
Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer Technology Demonstration For Long Duration In-Space Missions
2012
7 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Fuels , Rocket Propellants , Space Launch Vehicles & Support Equipment , Fuel & Propellant Tanks , Cryogenic rocket propellants , Propellant storage , Propellant transfer , Cryogenic fluids , Liquid hydrogen , Liquid oxygen , Specific impulse , Systems engineering , Temperature control , Mission planning , Robotics , Launching , Microgravity
Subcooling for Long Duration In-Space Cryogenic Propellant Storage
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