Energy-efficient storage, transfer and use of cryogens and cryogenic propellants on Earth and in space have a direct impact on NASA's government and commercial programs. Research and development on thermal insulation, propellant servicing, cryogenic components, material properties, and sensing technologies provides industry, government and research institutions with the cross-cutting technologies to manage low-temperature applications. A real world application of several cryogenic systems includes a launching platform that can support liquid propellant transfer from storage to launch vehicles. Current launching platforms serve as test beds for rocket engines, launching space missions, and supporting propellant transfer for several applications. The research and development of the launching platform system itself is a need for industry, government and research institutions to allow space for improvement and innovation for future launch systems. Under the direction of the Cryogenics Testing Laboratory (CTL) at the Kennedy Space Center, an experimental simulated launch cryogenic propellant delivery system has been developed to simulate propellant loading systems. In addition, it provides the capability of supporting the testing of new technologies with the goal of improve and innovate the launch pad systems that will support future space exploration missions.
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