Autonomous Melting Probe for Icy Planets Exploration

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes a thermal concept for the ice penetration probe for Europa subsurface exploration. A preliminary vehicle architecture based on several thermal features that are meant to mitigate/solve a series of challenges specific to the mission is considered. The concept consists of:Front vapor chamber for forward heat delivery and meltingVariable conductance walls for:Passive side melting as neededHeat removal from the probe during transit to EuropaHigh-pressure steam nozzles for steering/navigationTapered shape for side freezing and debris/rocks falling (to the front) mitigationFront high-pressure liquid water nozzles for water jet cutting of the ice and slush removal from front to rearnbsp;Single phase loop for waste heat collection from the cold end of the convertors and focus at the front of the vehicle for ice meltingThe proposed thermal concept applies to both nuclear and radioisotope powered systems. nbsp;The convertors are thermoelectric modules.The main objective of the proposed program is to develop a thermal probe architecture that is capable of penetrating the thick and cryogenic ice layer from Europa by melting in the most effective and reliable way and also overcome the related challenges. Phase I will focus on concept feasibility demonstration, which will be done by developing a sub-scale ice melting probe prototype with front vapor chamber, variable conductance wall and steam jet steering subsystems integrated. Ice penetration and navigation capability of the sub-scale ice melting prototype will be demonstrated through an experimental system. nbsp;ACT will work on thermal management system design and optimization and USNC will undertake the nuclear-based power conversion system design and power/mass budget assessment. The deliverables in Phase I will be a comprehensive report summarizing all Ramp;D efforts and a full-scale system design that integrates both power and thermal management systems.