Comprehensive Suite of Mechanical / Thermal Engineering
At Vantage, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of Mechanical and Thermal Engineering capabilities to support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC), the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and numerous Universities in achieving their strategic and mission goals. Our team of experienced engineers, researchers, technicians, and project managers is dedicated to delivering world-class Research and Technology, driving advancements in Aeronautical Travel, Space Exploration, and Advanced Space Missions. Leveraging our core competencies, we provide a range of engineering products, from initial concepts to complete flight systems.
Our Proficiencies
Our expertise in mechanical/thermal systems covers passive and active thermal control solutions for spacecraft, sub-systems, and complex facility systems including MLI designs. From design to integration, our engineers excel in analyzing mechanical/thermal transfer mechanisms, computational heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and advanced technologies. We ensure that your systems are resilient to the demands of space, including orbital heating, aero-thermal heating, and more.
Advanced Research and Technology Development: Our team excels in conducting research and technology development to advance thermal systems’ state-of-the-art capabilities. We’re dedicated to enhancing aerospace and non-aerospace applications through innovative thermal energy conversion solutions. With a multidisciplinary approach, we harness our expertise to drive groundbreaking advancements in thermal systems.
Systems Analysis and High-Impact Technology Areas: Our capabilities extend to performing comprehensive systems analysis to identify high-impact technology areas within thermal systems. We meticulously define critical aspects of technology development and characterize the system-level impacts of these advancements. Our expertise in systems analysis ensures that we target the most impactful areas for technological advancement, including these key research areas:
Space Power Component and System Analysis: Our team specializes in the analysis of space power components and systems. We assess the performance, efficiency, and reliability of power generation and distribution systems for space applications. Our analysis contributes to the development of space power systems that are resilient, efficient, and tailored to the demands of various missions.
Advanced Dynamic Power Generation: Vantage Systems is at the forefront of dynamic power generation research. We explore innovative methods to harness energy from dynamic sources, enabling efficient power generation in various environments. Our expertise extends to converting kinetic and thermal energy into usable power, supporting diverse applications ranging from spacecraft to remote installations.
Stirling-Engine and Closed Brayton Cycle Development: Our capabilities include the development of Stirling engines and closed Brayton cycles, two advanced thermal energy conversion technologies. We conduct in-depth research, design optimization, and performance analysis to enhance the efficiency and reliability of these systems. Our contributions drive the evolution of energy conversion methods for aerospace and beyond.
Space Propulsion Expertise: Our discipline engineering capabilities extend to space propulsion subsystems and rocket engines for both human and robotic spacecraft. From requirements development to flight operations support, we cover the entire lifecycle of propulsion systems. Our services include technology insertion, design maturation, specification definition, flight certification, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
At Vantage, our dedication to advancing thermal energy conversion technologies is unwavering. Through rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, we drive the evolution of thermal systems for the future. Our collaborative approach and forward-thinking mindset make us a trusted partner in pushing the boundaries of thermal energy conversion.
Our Work
Pushing the Boundaries of Mechanical / Thermal Engineering at NASA Glenn Engineering and Science Services (GESS 3) Contract
Our dedicated and expert engineers drive Vantage Systems Mechanical / Thermal Engineering’s success. With a profound commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence, Vantage has consistently overcome challenges, delivered groundbreaking solutions, and paved the way for transformative advancements in power management, avionics hardware, and thermal engineering. Our contributions extend across numerous NASA projects, including the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Life Support, MISSE-X, FBCE, Saffire, CPST, eCryo, and SLS DAU. Our involvement in designing, building, and testing critical systems showcases their indispensable role in NASA’s success.
Navigating Complexity:
The path to success had its challenges. Team Vantage encountered intricate technical hurdles and tight budget constraints. However, their strategic matrix management structure empowered us to assemble multidisciplinary teams that collaborated seamlessly to find innovative solutions. Our commitment to efficiency, adaptability, and out-of-the-box thinking enabled them to overcome challenges with unwavering determination.
Key Achievements:
Vantage boasts a multidisciplinary team of Nuclear, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers, and Electrochemists. This diverse expertise allowed them to tackle complex challenges with a holistic approach. The team’s exceptional power system modeling and simulations were pivotal in supporting designs for Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) systems for the Orion Spacecraft and future Hybrid Electric Aircraft.
Our team’s support of the Hybrid Electric Propulsion subproject of the Advanced Aircraft Transportation Technology project is truly revolutionary. Their efforts in enabling high-efficiency electric motors to propel a passenger aircraft highlight their commitment to pushing technological boundaries. Their creation of the Electric Aircraft Test Bed (NEAT) and the Hybrid Electric Integrated System Test (HEIST) demonstrated their prowess in crafting innovative testing environments to validate cutting-edge technologies.
Vantage research and utilization of liquid metal heat pipes for high-temperature heat transfer showcased their visionary approach to fully leverage nuclear heat sources for thermal energy conversion technologies. Their involvement in fuel cell technologies, battery cell/system development, and nanotechnology research for improved electrodes and electrolytes underscores their leadership in electrochemistry.
Turning Challenges into Innovations:
Vantage’s journey in Mechanical / Thermal Engineering is the epitome of unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and technical brilliance. Our engineer’s accomplishments reverberate through NASA’s projects, pioneering advancements in power management, avionics, thermal engineering, and beyond. The remarkable achievements achieved through challenges, solutions, and innovation stand as a testament to Vantage’s exceptional contribution to NASA and the space exploration landscape. The team’s innovative prowess shone through the development of a unique capability coupling Altium Designer and SolidWorks. This integration enabled the rapid delivery of complex electronic packaging solutions, effectively addressing cooling challenges that had stumped other centers.