GLOYER-TAYLOR LABORATORIES INC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Z10

Description

Over the last decade, GTL has been developing a breakthrough technology for cryogenic propellant storage that has been demonstrated to provide 75% mass reduction compared to state-of-the-art cryotanks.nbsp; GTL recently demonstrated the performance and mass advantage of BHL technology with the design, fabrication and testing of a 4-ft diameter, high-pressure, lightweight, all-composite spherical cryotank.nbsp; Based on the results of the previous effort, this tank should be capable of meeting NASArsquo;s requirements.In this Phase I, GTL will perform a series of tests to address data gaps and mature the BHL technology towards TRL 6 for in-space applications using liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane (LCH4).nbsp; These tests include expanded liquid oxygen compatibility testing, Helium permeation tests, and tests to measure the leak-tight strain margin.nbsp; These results will be used to refine the BHL cryotank design and guide the development of the Phase II plan.nbsp;It is envisioned that the Phase II effort would include cryo-thermal pressure cycle testing a BHL cryotank with liquid oxygen after completing the oxygen compatibility verification tests.nbsp; Another BHL cryotank will be cycled at very high strain levels to validate leak-tight strain margin.nbsp; At the conclusion of the Phase II effort, GTL will fabricate a BHL cryotank for flight testing in a follow-on effort.Achieving TRL 6 with BHL cryotank technology would accelerate the adoption of this game-changing technology, thereby enhancing NASArsquo;s space mission capabilities.