Future-Oriented Research Platform For Orbital Cryogenic Storage Technologies (FROST)

Abstract

To enable human space missions to mars and beyond, future payload mass needs to increase significantly. Cryogenic propellants with both high specific impulse and with the possibility of fuel production on mars make them an excellent choice for these types of missions. Using cryogenic propellants for missions longer than a few hours has several challenges including the need to minimize liquid losses due to boil-off caused by low storage temperatures and to manage the low-g issues. In this paper, a Future Oriented Research Platform For Orbital Cryogenic Storage Technologies (FROST) is proposed as a possible payload for DLRs own satellite program CompSat (500 kg class) in order to be able to carry out an important and necessary development step. The platform is intended to demonstrate new technologies for long-term storage of cryogenic media and to achieve new scientific knowledge about fluid behavior under reduced gravity. The essential elements of the platform are a super-insulated storage tank, a transparent experiment tank and a transparent transfer line. It is planned to realize the mission together with NASA GRC. In the paper, the results of the system study are presented and the possibilities of the platform are explained.