TPX: Two-Phase Experiment for Get Away Special G-557

Mechanically and capillary pumped two-phase heat transport systems are currently developed to meet the high power and long transport distance requirements of thermal management systems for future spacecraft. As two-phase flow and heat transfer in a low-gravity environment is expected to (considerably) differ from terrestrial behaviour, the technology of two-phase heat transport systems and their components has to be demonstrated in orbit. Therefore a Dutch-Belgian two-phase experiment (TPX) is being developed within the ESA In-Orbit Technology Demonstration Programme TDP1. TPX concerns a two-phase ammonia system in the (5ft³, gaseous nitrogen filled) Get Away Special canister G-557. The system is a downscaled capillary pumped two-phase loop. It includes downscaled versions of mechanically pumped two-phase loop components: multichannel condensers and vapour quality sensors (plus a controllable 3-way valve for control exercises).

The Critical Design Review status of TPX is discussed.