Small Multi-Purpose Research Facility
The Small Multi-Purpose Research Facility (SMiRF) at NASA’s Glenn Research Center evaluates the performance of thermal protection systems required to provide long-term storage and transfer of cryogenic propellants in space. Facilities like SMIRF develop advanced propulsion concepts and evaluate safer propellants for launch vehicles, spacecraft thrusters and advanced ignition systems for next-generation launch vehicles.
Several zero-gravity fluid management techniques at SMiRF include mass gauging, measuring the amount of fluid; liquid acquisition devices (LADs), capturing fluid that is simply floating around in the tank; and line chill down to—and transfer between—storage tanks, efficiently moving fluid with minimal waste.
Successful LADs tests have been conducted using liquid hydrogen at various saturation conditions to verify an ability to acquire liquid while in zero gravity. Testing can be done over a range of temperatures as low as –424°F and tank pressures from 20–80 pounds per square inch.
Read more about the Small Multi-Purpose Research Facility at Glenn Research Center.