MATURATION OF ZERO BOIL OFF COMPONENTS (RTB CRYOCOOLER) OF LIQUID OXYGEN (LOX) - EXPRO+

Objective: To design and develop a cryocooler breadboard model, based on the Reverse Turbo-Brayton, targeting LOx temperature, for the long duration storage of liquid cryogenic propellants for in Space application. Description: Cryogenic propellants are being considered and baselined for future missions as a valid alternative to storable propellants for orbital and deep space missions.A combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid cryogenic propellants provide significant advantages in term of performance over storable fuel and oxidizers. Several classes of orbital and deep space missions can benefit from cryogenic propulsion systems. However, cryogenic propulsion systems technologies are only available for short duration missions (max. 1 day, launchers). Extending the operating life of these systems requires a range of new technologies, more adapted to high volume transfer at lower pressure, andfor a long-time duration of operations and long cycles in space (days to weeks). Handling cryogenic fluid in space for long duration necessitates the introduction of a so called Zero Boil off systems where active cooling systems are needed. In order to increase TRL for such system and especially for the cryocooler part, this activity targets to design, manufacture a testing model and perform test under representative environment on ground, targeting the LOx temperature range, of around 90K, coinciding also with sub-cooled LCH4, and would also demonstrate the first technological bricks for a LH2 RTB cryocooler of such size. Also the heat lifts is targeted to be in the range of 100-200W, which is considered an important stepping stone into enabling zero boil-off components storage in-orbit of cryogenic propellants. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - - - - Requirements definition, design trade-offs, a development plan, industrial plan (incl. make or buy analyses) to reach TRL4 at the end of the activity at component level, A systems sizing exercise (considering ZBO LOX tank application), and the associated detailed design of the 90K Class RTB Breadboard Test plan, HW manufacturing and testing Test results exploitation, lessons learned and recommendations for future or complementary development Deliverables: Breadboard, Report