Nucleation of Cryogenic Bubbles in Spacecraft Liquid Acquisition Devices: Knowledge Payload

Researchers at Purdue University are exploring Nucleation of Cryogenic Bubbles in Spacecraft Liquid Acquisition Devices in order to address questions raised in precursor NASA experiments in cryogenic propellant management on the International Space Station—specifically, the creation of vapor bubbles during a reduction in test tank pressure. Purdue will fly a liquid-vapor nitrogen system on parabolic flights to explore thermodynamic states and changes relevant to resolving questions raised by the station experiment, with the goal of helping to advance long-term cryogenic propellant storage in the weightlessness of space. This would benefit NASA missions, the commercial space industry, other government agencies, and the nation.