Feed system thermal integration for a cryogenic Lunar ascent stage Original Research Article

Cryogenic liquid acquisition devices (LADs) for space-based propulsion interface directly with the feed system, a significant heat leak source. The gradual accumulation of thermal energy within a representative capillary LAD during long-term storage periods (up to 210 days) on the Lunar surface is the main issue addressed. The ongoing program consists of experimental and analytical facets that include: (a) thermal modeling of LAD interior temperatures, (b) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses to define bulk liquid conditions surrounding the LAD, (c) testing and analyses of condensation conditioning techniques for stabilizing LAD liquid retention, and (d) low-cost fluid systems thermal integration testing.