Session
Flash Talk Session 2
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
CubeSat cold-gas propulsion increasingly relies on two-phase propellants stored in conformal tanks. However, state-of-the-art propellant management strategies for these systems result in significant portions of the tank being occupied by vapor, reducing the amount of storable propellant. They also require high power input for vapor expulsion, increasing mission complexity and limiting operational lifetime. These challenges highlight the need for a more robust propellant management approach. The VAporization for PrOpellant Repositioning (VAPOR) experiment investigates the feasibility of repositioning an ullage gas bubble of R-236fa using thermally-induced phase change in various propellant management devices (PMD). These devices utilize a heat source to vaporize propellant near the outlet, inducing pressure-driven bubble condensation in colder regions of the tank. Capillary structures are integrated to retain vapor near the heater and promote bubble coalescence, facilitating extraction and routing to thrusters. The effectiveness of three PMD designs, each equipped with a patch or cartridge heater, is evaluated in low-gravity conditions through parabolic flight tests. Results confirm the effectiveness of the thermocapillary PMDs in generating and retaining an ullage gas bubble, paving the way for a more reliable and efficient propellant management approach for future CubeSat missions.
Document Type
Event
Microgravity Testing of a Thermal Start Basket for Propellant Repositioning
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
CubeSat cold-gas propulsion increasingly relies on two-phase propellants stored in conformal tanks. However, state-of-the-art propellant management strategies for these systems result in significant portions of the tank being occupied by vapor, reducing the amount of storable propellant. They also require high power input for vapor expulsion, increasing mission complexity and limiting operational lifetime. These challenges highlight the need for a more robust propellant management approach. The VAporization for PrOpellant Repositioning (VAPOR) experiment investigates the feasibility of repositioning an ullage gas bubble of R-236fa using thermally-induced phase change in various propellant management devices (PMD). These devices utilize a heat source to vaporize propellant near the outlet, inducing pressure-driven bubble condensation in colder regions of the tank. Capillary structures are integrated to retain vapor near the heater and promote bubble coalescence, facilitating extraction and routing to thrusters. The effectiveness of three PMD designs, each equipped with a patch or cartridge heater, is evaluated in low-gravity conditions through parabolic flight tests. Results confirm the effectiveness of the thermocapillary PMDs in generating and retaining an ullage gas bubble, paving the way for a more reliable and efficient propellant management approach for future CubeSat missions.
