NASA Kennedy Space Center recently awarded Lancaster-based Advanced Cooling Technologies (ACT), a thermal solutions company, a more than $6 million contract to test two Rollout Purge Units (RPUs) for NASA’s Mobile Launcher.
RPUs provide the launcher with conditioned air. They will be integrated into the Mobile Launcher 2, which will transport rockets from NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building to the launchpad, where they will provide conditioned air to the service module and launch abort system during rollout and rollback operations.
NASA selected ACT because of its past performance, compliance to all key requirements, and its ruggedized vapor compression portfolio.
“We are honored to be entrusted with this crucial project by NASA Kennedy Space Center,” Jens Weyant, ACT Product and Technology Development vice president, said. “This contract represents not only a significant milestone for our company but also a testament to our expertise utilizing our vapor compression center of excellence at our York Pennsylvania facility.”
ACT’s RPUs will replace NASA’s existing mini portable purge units and align with the Space Launch System Block 1B system requirements.
The company’s Tekgard brand of products includes a large-scale, rugged vapor compression system, equipped with highly customized controls to enable functionality and avoid electrical failure.