NASA proves it can re-fuel a Satellite on Orbit

NASA’S Refueling Demonstration Proves Viability Of Satellite-Servicing Technologies

For many years steps have been taken to develop technology to refurbish/refuel satellites while they are in orbit. This month NASA came a little closer to making that a reality with a demonstration on the international Space Station of robotic refueling. Years ago there was something called the MMS or Multi-Mission System in which satellites like the Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS) used. This technology used modular design and the concept was that the Space Shuttle would replace modules and NASA would not have to totally re-construct satellites on the ground and launch them.  They would simply update existing satellites. This was more than a dream UARS actually used parts that had flown on a previous satellite and the technology worked well. Of course with no space shuttle the concept is a little harder to implement….(sarcasm intended). In this case NASA demonstrated robotic fluid transfer in space, an objective that will help the development of robotic technology to refuel satellites. The first-of-its-kind demonstration was performed during the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) aboard the International Space Station.

“This achievement is a major step forward in servicing satellites,” said Frank Cepollina, associate director of the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. “RRM gives NASA and the emerging commercial satellite servicing industry the confidence to robotically refuel, repair and maintain satellites in both near and distant orbits — well beyond the reach of where humans can go today.”

A joint effort with the Canadian Space Agency, RRM uses the International Space Station as test bed for the research and development of robotic satellite-servicing capabilities. During six days of activity last month, controllers on the ground at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston used the space station’s remotely operated Dextre, a robotic space handyman, to cut wires, remove and stow caps and perform tasks necessary to refuel satellites not designed to be refueled.

The cutting-edge technologies that RRM is demonstrating could extend the lives of many of the hundreds of satellites currently in geosynchronous Earth orbit. These are satellites that deliver essential services such as weather reports, cell phone communications, television broadcasts, government communications and air traffic management.

RRM tasks scheduled to be performed later this year include thermal blanket cutting and fastener and electronic termination cap removals. NASA anticipates RRM technologies may help boost the commercial satellite-servicing industry in the future. Such servicing capabilities could greatly expand options for government and commercial fleet operators.