Abstract

Improved methods for storing liquid hydrogen in larger quantities and over longer periods of time in space are becoming progressively more critical as sights are once again set on Mars. Current storage methods involve the venting of vaporized hydrogen to space, with the consequence that significant amounts of hydrogen are wasted. Extra hydrogen must be stored to account for this loss resulting in unnecessary mass penalties. Eliminating this waste can reduce overall mission mass, extend mission range, and perhaps most importantly, lower mission trip times and costs. This technical note explores alternative methods for storing liquid hydrogen with an emphasis on missions to Mars as laid out by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s current design reference architecture.

摘要

随着人们再次将目光投向火星，改进的在太空中储存更大量和更长时间液态氢的方法变得越来越重要。目前的储存方法涉及将汽化的氢气排放到太空，结果是浪费了大量的氢气。必须储存额外的氢气以弥补这种导致不必要的质量损失的损失。消除这种浪费可以减少整体任务质量，扩大任务范围，也许最重要的是，降低任务旅行时间和成本。本技术说明探讨了存储液态氢的其他方法，重点是美国国家航空航天局当前设计参考架构所规定的前往火星的任务。