Multiuse Quick Disconnect for Lunar Surface Fluid Transfer Operations

Creare proposes to develop critical sealing technology needed to transfer cryogenic fluids on the lunar surface. We will build on existing technology that has already demonstrated the ability to repeatedly produce excellent seals at cryogenic temperatures over many mate/demate cycles. The sealing technology can be used as part of quick-disconnect couplings that can be easily handled by astronauts or robotic systems. We propose to modify the seal design to accommodate the dusty environment present on the lunar surface. In Phase I we will prove the feasibility of this approach by modifying the seal design and demonstrating performance under conditions that simulate operation on the lunar surface.