Description: As NASA tries to proceed for the lunar exploration missions, the need arises for innovative technologies capable of withstanding the extreme lunar environment. This solicitation focuses on the development of interface seals that can sustain in extreme low temperatures. The proposed solution involves leveraging the mechanical strength and tolerance to solar radiation of advanced metal alloys. NASA's requirements for deep space exploration emphasize the importance of maintainability and reusability, making the development of durable interface seals imperative. The proposed seals aim to withstand cryogenic temperatures ranging from 300 to 90 K (evolvable down to 20 K) and pressure ranges of approximately 14 to 100 psi while maintaining seal integrity in dusty environments and tolerance to vacuum, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, atomic oxygen, and ionizing radiation. The solution seeks to achieve over 10 mate/demate cycles without permanent deformations. The proposal will include material design idea, fundamental characterization, and proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating feasibility at low temperatures, with scalability considerations for fabrication of prototype seals. Lynntech has previously developed metal fittings and has records for several NASA proposals to achieve successful technologies for space explorations. With expertise, Lynntech will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach during Phase I and the prototype of cryogenic metal alloy interface seal will be delivered to NASA during Phase II.

Benefits: Direct NASA application of the proposed Lynntech's metal alloy includes the mechanical strength that can withstand the extreme low temperature operation below 90 K. This technology can be adapted to cryogenic equipment not confined to the moon but also to any other spaces beyond low Earth orbit that are exposed to space radiations and extreme low temperature below 90 K.Successful development of the technology will have high commercial applicability to a wide range of technologies where cryogenic temperature range and radiation protection are required. This technology can fulfill the requirements for the material that can be used for the storage of any liquefied gas under high pressure. Its interface will also be durable to any environmental stress, including vacuum, UV, radicals, and ionizing radiation.