The proposed solution has application to NASA as a thermal disconnect solution between cryogenic tanks on the SLS Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) while still providing the necessary structural characteristics for station keeping, attitude control and telemetry on orbit. The proposed solution will greatly extend the on-orbit life of propellant depots providing NASA improved mission flexibility for Exploration Missions. The innovative technology also has future application for propellant depots, payload fairings, and system habitats.
The innovation has application to commercial launch providers for improvement to their cryogenic upper stage offering a thermal disconnect between the upper stage and payload. The proposed technology allows for longer on-orbit propellant storage, services, and mission flexibility for Exploration Missions. The innovative technology also has future application for propellant depots, payload fairings, and system habitats.
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