Vented tank resupply experiment: Flight test results

This paper reports the results of the vented tank resupply experiment which was flown 19 May 1996 as a payload on the space shuttle mission STS 77. The vented tank resupply experiment examines the ability of vane propellant management devices to separate liquid and gas in low gravity. The vented tank resupply experiment used two clear 22.7 liter (0.8 ft(3)) tanks, one spherical and one with a short barrel section. Refrigerant 113 was transferred between the two tanks. The tanks were also periodically vented to space. Tests included the retention of liquid during transfer, liquid-free venting, and recovery of liquid into the propellant management devices after thruster firing. Liquid was retained successfully at the highest flow rate tested (10.33 l/min). Liquid-free vents were achieved for both tanks, although at a higher flow rate (4.51 l/min) for the spherical tank than for the other (1.13 l/min). Recovery from a thruster firing which moved the liquid to the opposite end of the tank from the propellant management devices was achieved in 30 s.