Development of a Practical Thermodynamic Cycle for a Space-Borne Hydrogen Reliquefier

Abstract

Earlier studies [^{1, 2}] have shown that partial hydrogen reliquefiers, having certain estimated weight and power requirements, can produce significant payload improvements in space missions requiring the long-term storability of liquid hydrogen. In these studies of potential thermodynamic cycles, the question of practicality of the required hardware was not given primary consideration.

Work performed under NASA Contract NAS 8–21203.