Form 9.B Project Summary
Chron:
970670
Proposal
Number:
23.04-2196
Project Title:
INTEGRATED CRYOGENIC
HELIUM SYSTEM FOR EXTENDED
DURATION BALLOON FLIGHTS
Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)
NASA is presently developing an Ultra Long
Duration Ballooning (ULDB) capability. This will
provide low cost, satellite like flight opportunities
for durations of up to 100 days. Innovative
technologies will be required to realize this new
capability. GSSL proposes an Integrated Cryogenic
Helium System (ICHS) for both extending flight
duration and augmenting on-board instrument
cooling. The ICHS consists of a combination liquid
helium and high pressure storage system, balloon
envelope interfaces, and an integrated control
system linked to the balloon control system and
on-board coolers. Major ICHS components are
bundled into a single unit that can be safely
jettisoned. Additionally, the lift surge capability
provided by the ICHS will allow trajectory
modification through altitude change. Flying
multiple orbits of the earth will create significant
political, logistical, and safety issues. Trajectory
modification will be critical for avoiding undesirable
flight paths and allowing successful recoveries. The
Phase I program will define strawman ULDB
payload requirements, identify ICHS hardware
requirements, and provide detailed design
specifications. Phase I results will provide the
necessary basis for the detailed design and
fabrication of a prototype ICHS in Phase II. The
interim Phase I results will be significant to NASA's
continuing ULDB development.
Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)
Scientific ballooning is a small niche market that is
dominated by NASA's balloon program. The
Integrated Cryogenic Helium System is designed to
be a powerful tool in both vehicle design and
mission planning. NASA has immediate need for
such a system, especially in the current ULDB
development program. Concurrently, GSSL is
developing a small commercial superpressure
program using its WindStar technology that will
also benefit from having an ICHS. The modular
design and flexible control system allows the ICHS
system to be applied to a wide range of balloon
sizes and mission requirements. While the ICHS is
specifically designed for extended duration balloon
flights, the basic technology has applications to any
system that requires intermittent cooling boosts.
These might include solar telescopes, laser based
instrumentation, or motor drive systems. Any
cryogen could be used, including liquid helium,
nitrogen, or others. The modular design approach of
the ICHS along with its LabVIEW interface brings
a high level of flexibility to any application, allowing
easy customization and modifica-tions for any
specific mission or instrument.
Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,
Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Tim Lachenmeier
GSSL, Inc.
284 NE Tralee Court
Hillsboro , OR 97124-1592
Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,
City/State/Zip)
Tim Lachenmeier
GSSL, Inc.
284 NE Tralee Court
Hillsboro , OR 97124-1592