SmallSat Propellant Positioning

R-236fa propellant tanks undergoing thermal repositioning during a parabolic flight experiment

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:

Conference Papers & Presentations:

Patents:

  • Á. Romero-Calvo, S. Hart, G. Lightsey, “Systems and Methods for Satellite Positioning”, US Application No. 63/483,138, February 2023