Eta Space tackles cryogenic boil-off with in-orbit refuelling
US-based technology company Eta Space has managed to store large amounts of cryogenic gases for 18 months on the ground with no losses and now plans to take its expertise into space to establish a cryogenic propellant depot in low Earth orbit.
The progress and opportunity for Eta Space was explored by the company’s founder, Dr William Notardanato, in a recent interview with gasworld.
Managing cryogenic fuels for the space sector remains a complex challenge, with boil-off – the natural evaporation of gas as it warms – causing major losses during storage and transfer. During the Space Shuttle era, US space agency NASA experienced up to 45% loss of liquid hydrogen before fuelling.
But now Notardonato says his company has successfully overcome the issue – at least on the ground.
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