Long-Term Cryogenic Propellant Storage on Mars with Hercules Propellant Storage Facility

Abstract: This report details the process and results of roughly sizing the steady state, zero boil-off thermal and power parameters of the Hercules Propellant Storage Facility. For power analysis, isothermal and isobaric common bulkhead tank scenarios are considered. An estimated minimum power requirement of 8.3 kW for the Reverse Turbo-Brayton Cryocooler is calculated. Heat rejection concerns in soft vacuum Mars atmosphere are noted and potential solutions are proposed. Choice of coolant for liquid p…