Safe ASCENT Modular Propellant Loading Equipment (SAMPLE)

Future tactically responsive SC may utilize propulsion systems / modules that will need to also be pre-positioned, ready for integration, fueled while waiting in standby mode.  Propellant Ground Support Equipment (PGSE) is needed to accomplish propellant loading / fueling at a Launch vehicle (LV) service provider typically located within either the Western or Eastern Range on the continental United States.  PGSE will need to meet AFSPCMAN 91-710 requirements for use at various Payload Processing Facilities (PPF) with both defense and commercial customers.  Operationally, the logistical challenges of successful PGSE deployment are just as important as the technical challenges of accurately (and rapidly) loading a propellant tank on a given Spacecraft (SC).  These two areas, logistics and performance, will be key attributes of any newly developed PGSE for ASCENT loading.  In the proposed Phase I program, Exo-Atmospheric Technologies, LLC, (EXO) will utilize technologies and expertise from years of AF-M315E/ASCENT technology development to create the Safe ASCENT Modular Propellant Loading Equipment (SAMPLE) system to enable tactically responsive spacecraft missions with propulsion systems utilizing ASCENT propellant.  The SAMPLE system consists of an innovative set of PGSE hardware that is modular in construction, incorporating lessons learned and best practices from previous ASCENT missions. Techniques and new technologies developed during previous Exo-Atmospheric Technologies, LLC (EXO) ASCENT programs will also be incorporated including conformal tankage systems, in-house developed welding techniques, and newly created digital engineering tools to track performance, maintenance, and traceability.  During Phase I, the fluid piping schematic (P&ID) and hence the concept of operations (CONOPS) will be refined after technical interchange meetings (TIMs) with LV integrators, range safety, and primary / secondary SC customers.  A digital twin of the SAMPLE system will also be constructed that will enable fluid system simulation while also permitting construction of digital build books that will be needed to satisfy range safety documentation requirements.  Two pathfinder studies on Titanium tank fabrication will also be conducted to lay the groundwork for Phase II development and a bench-top demonstration of the fluid control system will be conducted at the end of the Phase I program to demonstrate simulated ASCENT loading of a hypothetical SC.  The goal of this task is to verify loading precision and accuracy and to identify areas needing additional refinement for the Phase II hardware build.