METHOD OF FILLING OXIDIZER TANK OF SPACE ROCKET SYSTEM WITH LIQUID OXYGEN Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering; pre-launch filling of stages of space rocket systems. SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes filling the oxidizer tank with liquid oxygen to preset level and equalizing temperature of liquid oxygen in height by bubbling helium through liquid oxygen. Tank is filled with non-super-cooled oxygen and bubbling is performed simultaneously with pre-launch supercharging of tank; compressed helium is supplied from ground source. In the course of this process, stable circulating motion of liquid oxygen is set in height of tank. Immediately before launch, delivery of helium from on-board compressed helium bottles is started. Flow rate of helium is sufficient for maintenance of stable circulating motion of liquid oxygen in tank. Such method reduces negative action of various heat input on liquid oxygen both at rest and in flight. EFFECT: facilitated procedure of filling; reduced power requirements; increased mass of payload; increased time at rest. 2 cl, 1 dwg