Abstract Future missions to Mars will make use of a number of different cryocoolers. These cryocoolers will be used to liquefy and preserve propellants and for transporting liquid hydrogen feed stock. The earliest mission requiring a cryocooler is the 2003 robotic mission, which will demonstrate technology for In-Situ-Consumable-Production (ISCP) as part of the long-term goal of developing In-Situ-Resource-Utilization (ISRU). Later missions may require cryocoolers to preserve propellants on Trans-Mars Injection stages, Martian landers, and Mars return vehicles. In addition, ISCP may require liquid hydrogen feed stock as part of the chemical process to produce propellants from the Martian atmosphere. Cryocoolers will be required to minimize or eliminate the boiloff of this hydrogen in transit to Mars. Propellants produced on Mars will need liquefiers and cryocoolers for storage on the Martian surface until the propellants are used in the ascent vehicle. This paper will present a description of the planned missions with an emphasis on the various cryogenic options being considered and on current estimates of cooling requirements. These estimates are continuing to evolve. They are based on ongoing design and trade-off studies.
Cryocoolers for Human and Robotic Missions to Mars
Cryocoolers 10 ; 815-821
2002-01-01
7 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Cryocoolers for Human and Robotic Missions to Mars
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