Available Technologies

Technology

Propellant orientation and control in micro-gravity has posed a challenge for decades, especially for cryogenic propellants like liquid hydrogen (LH2). Various conventional methods have been considered, including propellant settling, liquid acquisition devices (LADs), and surface tension devices, each of which poses problems. A maximum-performance space system will require cryogenic propellants, (e.g., LH2) using LADs. This poses significant challenges, and in particular requires a much higher degree of LAD capability than current conventional systems can offer.

Researchers at UAH have developed an Integrated Liquid Acquisition Device (I-LAD) concept that provides a low cost, light weight, easily integrated method for ensuring acquisition and control of propellant in micro-gravity, particularly cryogenic propellants such as LH2. The I-LAD’s novel design addresses critical cryogenic propellant management problems for LADs.

The primary advantage of this I-LAD is that it enables warm pressurization gas to be used without inducing “LAD breakdown” and loss of control of the cryogen. This results in a major mass savings and directly leads to improved performance. Every pound saved on the acquisition system allows one more pound of payload. Another advantage of the I-LAD is the thermal management system, which assures adverse heat transfer will not cause loss of retention. If such “breakdown” does occur, the system has a unique refill method that does not require tank venting and potential loss of propellant.