Compressor for In-Space Gas Transfer and Pressurization

Future space exploration missions will entail extended, complex operations in space or on lunar and planetary surfaces, including many that require the efficient transfer and compression of gaseous propellant, pressurant, expendables, or products. Storage pressures may be extremely high, and gases of interest range from helium to xenon. Creare proposes to develop an innovative, compact compressor that will enable collection of essentially all the gas from the supply vessel while pressurizing to extremely high pressures (up to 6,000 psia) in the receiver. Our innovative compression and drive technology enables isothermal compression of any gas using high-reliability components that provide high rates of transfer, maintain ultrahigh gas purity, provide accurate measurement of the transfer rate, and simplify integration with spacecraft systems. In Phase I, we will prove the feasibility of our compressor through performance analysis, proof-of-concept testing, fabrication demonstrations, and mechanical design.