Multiphase flow management is critical to in-space propulsion systems. Achieving liquid and/or gas-free expulsion and mitigating propellant sloshing have been two of the main drivers behind propellant tank design since the 1960s. Even though a wide variety of solutions exist for storable propellants in traditionally-shaped containers, propellant management remains largely unexplored for conformal tank geometries like those employed in CubeSats.
With the support from the NASA Flight Opportunities office, our group is demonstrating novel propellant management devices for use in CubeSat propellant tanks and, in the future, cryogenic systems. Using thermally-induced phase change, we have been able to reposition ullage bubbles in the zero-gravity environment produced by Zero-G Corp.’s parabolic plane. This work will lead to up to spacecraft with extended lifetime, reduced mass and volume requirements, and higher reliability.
Analytical and computational studies are also underway with the ultimate goal of demonstrating these technologies in orbit. While the focus of this project is on applications to SmallSat propellant management, our efforts have the potential to impact low-gravity fluid control as a whole, spanning life support systems, thermal management, cryogenics storage, and others.
LGST Lab team experiencing micro-gravity while performing multiple CubeSat experiments. From left to right, Shay Vitale, Álvaro Romero-Calvo, Samuel T. Hart, and Hugh Chen. Photo: Steve Boxall
Student lead:
Hugh Chen
Journal Articles:
- S. Hart, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Characterization of a Phase-Change Propellant Management Device”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 228, No. 3, pp. 842-852, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.035
- S. Hart, E. Sánchez, H. Malik, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Neutral Buoyancy Testing of Low-Gravity Fluid Management“, AIAA Journal, Vol. 62, No. 2, pp. 858-863, 2024, 2024, doi: 10.2514/1.J063601
- S. Hart, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Thermoelectromagnetic Smallsat Propellant Positioning“, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 214, pp. 427-438, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2023.11.007
Conference Papers & Presentations:
- H. Chen, S. Hart, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Low-Gravity Testing of Thermally Induced Phase Change Propellant Management Device”, AIAA SciTech 2025 Forum, Orlando, FL, Jan. 6-10, 2025, doi: 10.2514/6.2025-1738
- S. Hart, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Microgravity Testing of a Phase-Change Propellant Management Device”, ASGSR Meeting 2024, San Juan, PR, December 3-7, 2024
- S. Hart, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Leveraging Phase Change for CubeSat Propellant Positioning”, In AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition 2024, Orlando, FL, US, January 8-12, 2024, doi: 10.2514/6.2024-1834
- S. T. Hart, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Phase Change CubeSat Propellant Management”, ASGSR Meeting 2023, Washington, DC, November 14-18, 2023
- S. T. Hart, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Neutral Buoyancy Testing of Low-Gravity Propellant Management Devices”, ASGSR Meeting 2023, Washington, DC, November 14-18, 2023
- S. Hart, G. Lightsey, Á. Romero-Calvo, “Capillary and Electromagnetic Smallsat Propellant Positioning“, In 2023 AAS Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, Breckenridge, CO, February 7, 2023
Patents:
- Á. Romero-Calvo, S. Hart, G. Lightsey, “Systems and Methods for Satellite Positioning”, US Application No. 63/483,138, February 2023