On-orbit superfluid transfer: preliminary results from the SHOOT flight demonstration

Abstract

Preliminary results from the Superfluid On-Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) Flight Demonstration which flew on Space Shuttle STS-57 in June 1993 are presented. SHOOT demonstrated the technology required to transfer superfluid helium between Dewars in low gravity. In addition a number of components developed for SHOOT were flight proven and are now available for use on other payloads. Included in this paper are a description of the transfer process, the transfer rates and losses, observations of the differences between ground transfers and those done on-orbit, and the performance of a number of components. Among these components are liquid acquisition devices, phase separators, liquid/vapour discriminators, thermomechanical pumps, three types of valves, venturi flow meters and a heat pulse mass gauging system.