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A review of candidate multilayer insulation systems for potential use on wet-launched LH2 tankage for the Space Exploration Initiative lunar missionsThe storage of cryogenic propellants such as liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LO2) for the future Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) will require lightweight, high performance thermal protection systems (TPSs). For the near-term lunar missions, the major weight element for most of the TPSs will be multilayer insulation (MLI) and/or the special structures/systems required to accommodate the MLI. Methods of applying MLI to LH2 tankage to avoid condensation or freezing of condensible gases such as nitrogen or oxygen while in the atmosphere are discussed. Because relatively thick layers of MLI will be required for storage times of a month or more, the transient performance from ground-hold to space-hold of the systems will become important in optimizing the TPSs for many of the missions. The ground-hold performance of several candidate systems are given as well as a qualitative assessment of the transient performance effects.
Document ID
19910061170
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Knoll, Richard H.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Stochl, Robert J.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Sanabria, Rafael
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1991
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 91-2176
Accession Number
91A45793
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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