NASA Selects Proposals to Conduct Fluid Physics Experiments on the International Space Station in Flow Boiling to Support Cryogenic Propellant Tank Tr
NASA Physical Sciences Research Program has selected two flight proposals in response to the research announcement “Research Opportunities in Physical Science Appendix A: Soliciting Proposals for Fluid Physics Experiments on the International Space Station in Flow Boiling to Support Cryogenic Propellant Tank Transfer Research.”
Researchers will conduct experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) to determine the best use of the new flow boiling module for the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE) in support of in-space cryogenic propellant tank transfer research. Research from the selected proposals plans to develop fundamental understanding of chilldown, the process of chilling down the transfer line between cryogenic propellant tanks, using a combination of high-fidelity experimental techniques and computational simulations. Chilldown is of paramount importance during cryogenic liquid transport and involves complicated hydrodynamic and thermal interactions between the liquid, vapor, and channel wall. Data and modeling from these investigations will improve the knowledge base for the development of new cryogenic propellant tank transfer systems. These technologies are a key component of NASA’s future space exploration plans.
The Physical Sciences Research Program is managed by the Biological and Physical Sciences Division in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. This program conducts fundamental and applied physical sciences research, with the objective of pioneering scientific discovery, enabling space exploration, and providing benefits on Earth. The program furthers fundamental research by investigating the fundamental laws of the universe and physical phenomena in the absence of gravity. The program also conducts applied research, which contributes to the basic understanding underlying space exploration technologies that will further our return to the Moon and our journey to Mars and beyond. Both have led to improved space systems or new products on Earth.
The full text of the announcement, which includes the list of the selected proposals, principal investigators, and their organizations, can be found at:
