Inside this edition: NASA explores cryogenic fuel storage, a new gel for cold chain shipping and pro
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Hello Source and welcome to the coolest community in freight!
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(Photo: Triff/Shutterstock)
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NASA is pushing the boundaries of cryogenic technology with a groundbreaking test at its Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Dubbed “Stay Cool: NASA Tests Innovative Technique for Super Cold Fuel Storage,” the project aims to achieve zero‑boiloff storage of liquid hydrogen by deploying a novel two‑stage active cooling system, offering a lifeline to future long‑duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The challenge is deceptively simple: keep liquid hydrogen boiling at roughly −424 °F. Cold long enough to prevent boiloff caused by solar heating, spacecraft exhaust, and onboard systems. The NASA article explains, “In the vacuum of space, where temperatures can plunge to minus 455 degrees Fahrenheit, it might seem like keeping things cold would be easy. But the reality is more complex for preserving ultra‑cold fluid propellants.”
To combat this, NASA engineers have developed a “tube‑on‑tank” method, in which chilled helium circulates through tubes affixed directly to the outer wall of the propellant tank. A multi‑layer insulation blanket, including a thin aluminum heat shield, surrounds the tank; a second layer of helium tubing carrying fluid at about −298 °F intercepts incoming heat before it reaches the tank, reducing the load on the inner system.
“Technologies for reducing propellant loss must be implemented for successful long‑duration missions to deep space like the Moon and Mars,” said Kathy Henkel, acting manager of NASA’s Cryogenic Fluid Management Portfolio Project. “Two‑stage cooling prevents propellant loss and successfully allows for long‑term storage of propellants whether in transit or on the surface of a planetary body.”
The test hardware entered a vacuum chamber in early June and is undergoing a 90‑day test campaign slated to conclude in September. If successful, this technology could eliminate the need to vent cryogenic propellants during extended missions.
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(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
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Keeping food and medicine cold during shipping is a big challenge, and an expensive one. Now, scientists have developed a new material that could help solve that problem. Researchers have recently developed an innovative, two-layer gel that keeps items colder for longer, uses less energy, and is more environmentally friendly. This new gel could change how companies ship everything from vaccines to frozen foods.
Right now, most cold chain logistics relies primarily on diesel-powered refrigeration units. To find a new solution, many scientists are turning to materials called phase change materials (PCMs). These are substances that can store and release cold energy as they freeze and melt, keeping things at a steady temperature. But traditional PCMs can be messy, leak easily, and don’t always hold up during long trips.
A research team developed a bilayer hydrogel, basically, a smart gel made of two special layers. One outer layer acts like a strong insulator, keeping outside heat from getting in. The inner layer conducts cold efficiently, helping keep the inside contents at the right temperature. The gel contains a salt solution that freezes at low temperatures, storing a lot of cold energy. It also includes graphite, which helps spread the cold evenly.
But the real breakthroughs are the gel’s extra features. It can heal itself if damaged in transit, and it has antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of contamination. “Our material isn’t just about keeping things cold,” the researchers explained. “It’s about doing it safely, cleanly, and with less waste.”
The team even built a working cold storage prototype using the new gel. In tests, it kept medicines like penicillin G and streptomycin at the correct temperature, performing as well as a commercial refrigerator, but without needing electricity or fuel.
This new gel is also reusable and can be adjusted for different temperature needs, depending on what’s being shipped. That means it could be useful not just for medicine, but for food, chemicals, and even biological samples.
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Farm Rich, frozen mozzarella stick giant, is dialing up the flavor this summer with the launch of three new frozen snacks. Leading the lineup are the Buffalo Style Chicken Roll‑Ups with a kick of Frank’s RedHot sauce. Each serving packs 9 grams of protein.
Also in the new lineup are the Italian Sausage Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, a hearty twist on Farm Rich’s signature offering. These sticks combine seasoned Italian sausage with mozzarella and boast 12 grams of protein per serving.
For dessert lovers, Farm Rich introduces Chocolate Brownie Bites, rich, fudgy brownie pieces coated in chocolate crumbs, creating a decadent yet effortless treat. There’s no baking required. These bites are tailor‑made to satisfy a sweet tooth in seconds.
As Kelly Rabinowitz, Director of Marketing for Frozen Retail Brands at Rich Products Corporation, explains in a news release: “Our latest innovations deliver everything we love in a snack: bold flavors, convenience and real ingredients.” Whether your audience is after spicy, comfort, or sweet, Farm Rich has it covered for the whole family.
Each of these snacks is designed to accommodate multiple preparation methods, oven, air fryer, toaster oven, or microwave, delivering a fast, flavorful experience with minimal effort. Made with real ingredients and elevated takes on classics, they’re ideal for busy families, snack lovers, and anyone looking to upgrade their freezer staples.
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Wanna chat in the cooler? Shoot me an email with comments, questions or story ideas at moconnell@freightwaves.com
See you on the internet,
Mary
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you must be pretty chill. Join the coolest community in freight and subscribe for more at freightwaves.com/running-on-ice. You can also stay up to date with Running on Ice: The Show every Friday at 2 p.m. EST on freightwaves.com.
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