Superfluid helium on-orbit resupplyThe requirements for superfluid helium (SFHe) resupply were investigated, and the results were used to develop a conceptual design for a superfluid helium tanker (SFHT) which is designed to meet a 50-mission requirement. The SFHT design uses a conventional dewar approach with multiple vapor cooled shields, and a porous-plug phase separator for on-orbit temperature control. An open loop refrigeration approach is used for ground conversion of normal He to SFHe, allowing near-total fill of the supply tank. Design diagrams of the SFHT concept and of various SFHT subsystems are presented.
Document ID
19920030727
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Eberhardt, Ralph N. (Martin Marietta Space Systems, Inc. Denver, CO, United States)
Gille, John P. (Martin Marietta Space Systems, Inc. Denver, CO, United States)