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Cryogenic propellant liquefaction and storage for a precursor to a human Mars mission.

Author(s) : MUELLER P., DURRANT T.

Type of article: Article

Summary

An analysis of cryogenic liquefaction and storage methods for in-situ produced propellants (oxygen and methane) on Mars is presented. The application is to a subscale precursor sample return mission, intended to demonstrate critical cryogenic technologies prior to a human mission. A heat transfer analysis is included, resulting in predicted cryogenic tank surface temperatures and heat leak values for different conditions. Insulation thickness is traded off against cryocooler capacity to find optimum combinations for various insulation configurations, including multilayer insulation and microspheres. Microsphere insulation is shown to have promise, and further development is recommended.

Details

  • Original title: Cryogenic propellant liquefaction and storage for a precursor to a human Mars mission.
  • Record ID : 2001-2637
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Cryogenics - vol. 39 - n. 12
  • Publication date: 1999

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