Propellant gauging at microgravity within the pressure—temperature—density inflection zone of xenon

摘要

A method that is stored in tangible form and accessible by a data processing system for determination of xenon propellant remaining in a tank for a defined life condition. A heater controller establishes a first stable temperature of a propellant tank. A measurement is performed of a temperature and a pressure at the first stable temperature of the propellant tank. A second higher stable temperature is provided in the propellant tank. A measurement is performed of a temperature and a pressure at a second stable temperature. A computer processor computes a mass based on density and volume in accordance with measurements of temperature and pressure at the first stable temperature and the second stable temperature.