3 ms·
Water vapor and CO2 will condense and clog stuff up nearly instantly in a cryo valve. O-rings like to leak too and need to be replaced often if the temperature
by foxyv 4y ago
Water vapor and CO2 will condense and clog stuff up nearly instantly in a cryo valve. O-rings like to leak too and need to be replaced often if the temperature changes a lot or there is mechanical stress. Anything that introduces atmospheric CO2 and moisture into the mix will cause all sorts of problems. This stuff is a lot easier in vacuum which is kind of funny when you think about it...
Things have improved a lot in cryogenics, but it's a HUGE pain still. I'm honestly impressed with how well SpaceX does cryo.