W. Supper

Development of Liquid Flow Metering Assemblies for Space

3 INTRODUCTION & APPROACH 3 EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL UNITS 4

In-Orbit Demonstration of Two Phase Heat Transport Technology Status of TPX II:Reflight of the European Two-Phase Experiment

In order to demonstrate two-phase heat transport system technology in orbit, the Dutch-Belgian two-Phase eXperiment TPX was successfully flown as Get Away Special G557, aboard STS60, February 1994. Based on TPX conclusions and lessons learned, a reflight experiment TPX II is being developed in order to usefully fill the gap between TPX and possible future full-scale Capillary Pumped Loop flights. The characteristicss of TPX II, intended to fly early 1998, are discussed in detail: configuration and component changes, updates of objectives/scenario, current status, results of pre-launch (components) testing and outlook.

Development of liquid flow metering assemblies for space

As it is impossible to directly use commercial liquid flow meters in space, a study was done for the European Space Agency to adapt commercial flow meter assemblies for spacecraft applications. The activities led to the selection of two commercial units, which were re-designed and adapted for use in spacecraft single-phase (water) and two-phase (ammonia) thermal control loops. These flow meter assemblies were tested according to an agreed test programme, that included performance and calibration tests in a test bench (developed during the study), vibration and EMC/EMI testing. The results are discussed to assess to what extent the study objectives were met. Recommendations for future work are given.