Spaceport and In-Space Cryogenic Fluids, Handling, and Storage

This program builds on prior R&D contracts of which some are completed and some are ongoing by Wilson Composite Technologies (WCT). The principal support area will be from a contract entitled ?Long Term Storage of Liquid Hydrogen in Space?, which has a goal of 20 year storage with a 2% boil-off loss. This program will build upon the results of that prior contract by utilizing foam insulation technology and blanket multiple layer insulation (MLI) techniques. The program will design cryogenic tanks and pressurized containers for use both in the transport environment from Earth to Mars and also for location on the Mars surface as part of a permanent installation. Design of a suitable cryocooler will be included in the container technology for conversion of cryogenic vapors back to liquids. Detailed thermal analysis will be conducted to create optimum insulation. Mounting systems and connections will be analyzed and designed for minimal thermal input to the storage containers and overall mission loads will be considered for structural design. A complete matrix of tank sizes and shapes will be provided as a result of a thermal and design analysis. This will enable future selection of final sizes for these transport and storage containers.