ROCKLEDGE, FL — [Date Nov. 21, 2019] —NASA is currently seeking technologies that will support use of single-loop thermal control systems (TCSs) aboard spacecraft for human class missions. Mainstream has developed compressor technology that enables a single-loop, two-phase TCS to replace the current two-loop TCS. NASA has historically used two-loop TCSs to mitigate crew toxicity risk, whereby one loop collects heat within the crew module (CM) with a low-toxicity fluid and transfers the heat to a second loop in the external service module (SM) that rejects heat through the radiators. Mainstream’s unique approach eliminates the intermediate heat exchanger and duplicate components (pumps, valves, etc.) resulting in a system that roughly 1/4th the mass of the current system. The compressor is by far the most critical component to develop and this effort focuses on the experimental demonstration of this unique compressor. Mainstream has tremendous experience in this area having developed high-G compressors for military aircraft as well as the development of the refrigerant compressor used in the refrigerated centrifuge on the International Space Station. Mainstream’s approach leverages their prior experience
About Mainstream Engineering Corporation
Mainstream Engineering Corporation is a 33-year-old Brevard County, Florida manufacturer with a history of leading-edge research and development that has resulted in advanced cost-competitive products, which are made in the USA. Founded in 1986, Mainstream’s mission is to transition advanced R&D into high-quality, environmentally-safe, green, commercial products using lean manufacturing techniques. Areas of research include thermal control, energy conversion, power electronics, biomass conversion, chemical technology and materials science.
