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T0338-PS

Non-invasive Detection of Liquid Propellant Location During Microgravity Transfer

PI: Kevin Crosby, Carthage College

The purpose of the Non-invasive Detection of Liquid Propellant Location During Microgravity Transfer project is to facilitate the transfer and storage of cryogenic and storable propellants in microgravity. The method utilizes piezoelectric sensors adhered to the outside of a propellant tank while acoustic excitation is applied to the tank and the sensors translate the tank’s vibrations into electric voltages. It is expected that the frequency of these signals can be used to establish total liquid volume and that the amplitudes can be used to reconstruct the instantaneous location and motion of the liquid-free surface.

Technology Areas (?)
  • NA
Problem Statement

The proposed orbit of the Lunar Gateway is unstable and will require occasional station-keeping, and therefore refueling of its power and propulsion element. Visiting spacecraft and lunar ascent modules will also require refueling in order to realize the sustainable human presence required by the Gateway. This challenge requires both microgravity liquid propellant gauging as well as knowledge of equilibrated liquid surface distributions within tanks. Neither technology currently has a sufficient technology readiness level (TRL) for Gateway infusion.

Technology Maturation

Flight tests are expected to help verify sensor operation in a relevant space environment, correlating liquid free surface position and motion with sensor amplitudes. This technology is designed to enable the transfer and storage of cryogenic and storable propellants in microgravity, a key component of the refueling of the power and propulsion element necessary for Lunar Gateway station-keeping. The flight tests aim is to advance this innovation to TRL 6.

Future Customers

Commercial satellite providers
Military satellite providers
Launch services providers
Commercial and NASA programs developing on-orbit fuel depots

Technology Details

  • Selection Date
    TechFlights21 (Dec 2021)
  • Program Status
    Active
  • Current TRL (?)
    Unknown
    Successful FOP Flights
  • 0 Parabolic
  • 0 sRLV

Development Team

Web Accessibility and Privacy Notices Curator: Alexander van Dijk Responsible NASA Official: Stephan Ord Last Update: November 16, 2018