Flight Works, Inc. — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Z10

Description

Flight Works is proposing to expand its on-orbit propellant management and refueling product line and add Xenon to its current chemical propellant transfer capabilities with the development of an efficient high-pressure-ratio Xenon compressor. Current capabilities include refrigerants, hypergols, ldquo;greenrdquo; monopropellants, and cryogens like LOX and methane.nbsp;The proposed concept is based on an efficient transfer of the propellant, staying as close as possible to isothermal conditions and integrating heat exchangers between compressor stages in order to minimize power consumption, the work done on the fluid, and associated excess heat. The result is a compact, lightweight, efficient compressor specifically designed for on-orbit use and optimized for Xenon compression from 300 to over 3,000 psia at flow rates optimized for the future Gateway station and existing geosynchronous spacecraft. The compressor relies on positive displacement and is driven by a brushless electric motor. The objective of the program is to develop, manufacture, assemble and test a proof-of-concept unit under Phase II and transition to a flight unit for operational use under follow-on Phase III or commercial funding.nbsp;The compressor can also be used for other gases such as helium, oxygen or methane.