Optimized He 2 cooling systems for space application. Behavior and handling of superfluid helium at G = 0, phase 1

Increased reliability of He2 cooling systems for space applications is considered. An active phase separator (APS) with annular flow gap of variable length which allows variation of the cooling capacity over a wide range, developed for zero-g tests is described. Helium-tight electrical leadthroughs, a displacement transducer for low temperature application, a ball closure for use in combination with the APS, and gas/liquid detectors were developed. For temperature and liquid level measurement in narrow slits in laboratory as well as flight experiments, temperature sensors were developed. Three thickness measurement methods for He2 films are proposed: optical (1/10 000 to 1/100 mm), crystal (1/10 to the 7th power to 1/10 mm) and capacitive (1/10 to the 6th power to some mm).