Autonomous Melting Probe for Icy Planets Exploration

To support NASArsquo;s future Europa Subsurface Exploration missions, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes a thermal probe that can penetrate the thick and cryogenic ice layer on Europa in an efficient and reliable manner. This nuclear-powered thermal probe consists of multiple novel thermal features that are meant to minimize time of penetration and mitigate a series of challenges specific to the mission considered, including:A pumped two-phase (P2P) heat delivery system to acquire heat from the GPHS module to the melting probe frontA front vapor chamber for forward heat focusingA variable conductance wall for passive side melting and probe releasing from refreezing as needed.A liquid displacement system enabling probe lateral movingA front high-pressure liquid water jet cutting system for ice cracking and slush removal from front to rearIn Phase I, a preliminary full-scale ice melting probe with multiple thermal features was designed and analyzed. A proof-of-concept prototype was developed and tested in an ice environment. The functionality of key features was successfully demonstrated. In Phase II, ACT will further mature the proposed thermal technology and develop a full-scale thermal probe for an envisioned Europa mission. ACT will perform detailed trade studies and optimize thermal components, including P2P, vapor chamber, variable conductance wall etc. ACT will also work closely with JPL to integrate their liquid jet ice cutting concept into ACTrsquo;s current design. An initial prototype will be developed by integration of all thermal features. An ice environment system that can replicate Europa ice conditions will be developed for prototype testing. nbsp;A full-scale ice melting probe that considers both thermal and non-thermal subsystems will be designed and its performance under Europa environmental conditions will be analyzed. A reduced scale prototype will be developed and delivered to NASA JPL for further performance validation.