This effort seeks to advance TA 2.4.2.3 in-space tank-to-tank propellant transfer . Tank-totank cryogenic propellant transfer in reduced gravity is needed for human mars surface missions. As noted…

This federal contract award, valued at $1,109,421.00, was issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the University of Florida (UF) to advance in-space cryogenic propellant transfer technology. The effort seeks to address technology area 2.4.2.3 "In-Space Tank-to-Tank Propellant Transfer" as identified in NASA's Space Technology Investment Plan. This technology is critical for enabling human Mars surface missions, as efficient cryogenic propellant transfer in reduced gravity is necessary for deep space exploration. The contract is a grant for research, with the goal of minimizing propellant boil-off and accelerating chilldown of the transfer system to maximize mission flexibility. UF, a major public research university, has a strong track record of supporting federal agencies with specialized scientific and engineering research across various domains, including aerospace, defense, and medical technologies.

This effort seeks to advance TA 2.4.2.3 in-space tank-to-tank propellant transfer . Tank-totank cryogenic propellant transfer in reduced gravity is needed for human mars surface missions. As noted in the NASA sstip, storage and transfer of cryogens in space is critical for deep space human exploration, so much so that IT is one of the six NRC high priorities within the launch and in-space propulsion core technology investment. 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 that of 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. Minimal boil-off loss and fast chilldown of the transfer pipe and the receiver tank are needed to save propellant and extend mission flexibility.