Quest holds successful Preliminary Design Review for four insulation systems for a cis-lunar transport vehicle
Quest Thermal Group and Lockheed Martin: Pioneering Lunar Transport Innovation
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Quest Thermal Group and Lockheed Martin have successfully completed the design for four thermal insulation systems for a new lunar transport vehicle in development, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
A Vision for Lunar Mobility
As humanity sets its sights on returning to the Moon, the need for new in-space transportation technology has never been greater. Quest Thermal Group, renowned for its cutting-edge thermal insulation technologies, partnered with aerospace giant Lockheed Martin to new develop beyond state-of-the-art thermal insulation systems. The vehicle must have near Zero Boil Off of cryogenic propellants, and the design included new, even higher thermal performance Quest Integrated MLI and Wrapped MLI. The cryogenic thermal insulation supported cryocooled Broad Area Cooled shields, and provided support and increased standoff distances for ballistic layers providing MMOD protection. These new thermal solutions, from Quest, were specifically designed for the LEO and lunar Near Rectilinear Halo orbits needed for future Artemis missions.
Engineering Excellence
The collaboration leveraged Quest Thermal’s expertise in thermal management and Lockheed Martin’s aerospace engineering prowess for preliminary design of a vehicle that operates efficiently in the extreme temperatures of the lunar environment. The design incorporates advanced thermal control systems, ensuring optimal performance during long duration lunar missions. This partnership is overcoming the challenges associated with cryogenic fluid management and cryogenic propellant storage and transfer. Quest Thermal and Lockheed Martin are paving the way for future scientific discoveries and commercial opportunities beyond Earth.
As space agencies and private companies continue to push the boundaries of exploration, innovations like these advanced thermal solutions, with active cooling, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of interplanetary travel.