In a recent article in the WSJ, it was reported SpaceX's use of Helium to maintain pressure during flight in a LOX tank was highly unusual. I understand why you need to maintain some pressure but it made me wonder how it is typically done. The article stated the Falcon 9 was the only rocket in decades that uses this technique. Just curious, thanks!
Thanks, but I thought nitrogen and heated oxygen would condense inside a tank, and be become ineffective?
Quote from: Mbhoward on 11/07/2016 12:05 amThanks, but I thought nitrogen and heated oxygen would condense inside a tank, and be become ineffective?Nitrogen's BP is lower (77 K at 1 atmosphere) than oxygen's (90 K), so condensation isn't such an issue for pressurizing oxygen