National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Why Is NASA Advancing Robotic Satellite-Refueling Technology?

Satellite servicing allows satellites to work longer in space. Every year, functional satellites providing weather data, communications and other essential services are retired because they reach the end of their fuel supply. As old or ailing satellites are moved to the "graveyard orbit," replacement models are financed, designed, built and launched—a process that can be costly and time consuming for satellite owners and the consumers.

As worldwide demand grows for satellite-provided communication and data products, NASA is using RRM to demonstrate the robotic technologies needed to keep satellites working longer in geosynchronous Earth orbit. Through RRM, NASA is proving the reliability of its robotic servicing technologies, eliminating potential issues through on-orbit testing, and bolstering the foundation for future robotic servicing missions.

What Does It Take to Refuel a Satellite in Space?

Refueling a satellite in space. From what we know about filling up our cars here on the ground, it sounds pretty simple, right? Just open up the cap, connect the fuel nozzle to fuel the tank, and send the satellite on its way? Like many things in space, it's much more complicated than you would think.

First, the fuel valves of the satellites in space today were never designed to be accessed after launch. To prevent hazardous fuel from escaping during launch and operations, satellite manufacturers tightly lock down the fuel valve with wired-shut caps. These caps must be removed before anyone can access the valve.

Then, pumping fluid in the microgravity environment of space is a completely different matter than transferring fluid on the ground. Without gravity to settle the fluid in the bottom of a tank, like on Earth, tank plumbing and pumps must be more specialized to correctly operate in the microgravity environment of space.

Finally, to make the challenge even more complex, the majority of the satellites that would benefit most from servicing are in geosynchronous Earth orbit, or GEO. GEO is inaccessible to humans at this time, which means that only robots can do the job.

How is RRM Proving Robotic Refueling Technology?

Robotic satellite refueling presents an ambitious but achievable list of tasks—especially since the satellites in geosynchronous Earth orbit were never designed to be serviced in space. Using the high-tech "test bed" of the International Space Station, RRM is demonstrating the tools, technologies, and techniques that would get the job done.

During the refueling task, NASA and CSA operators on the ground direct the Dextre to pick up four RRM tools to complete the demo. The entirely remote-controlled Dextre uses these tools to:

1. Cut wires and remove caps to access a representative, sealed satellite fuel valve on RRM module;
2. Simulate satellite refueling by pumping fluid through this valve into the module.

The Refueling Task, Play by Play

Operations begin with Dextre picking the Wire Cutter Tool with one robotic arm and the Multifunction tool with the other. First, Dextre and the RRM Wire Cutter Tool cut the wire that keeps a "tertiary cap" screwed on tightly over the fuel valve.

A tertiary cap is the outermost layer of protection on many fuel valves. Just like on a real satellite, the tertiary cap is secured with two twisted lock wires each a mere 20 thousandths of an inch in diameter—about the thickness of two sheets of paper. Lock wire is used to make sure that caps stay in place during the the random vibrations that occur while the satellites launches to orbit. NASA has to cut through this wire before it can remove the tertiary cap to gain access the valve.

Remove Caps With the wire now cut, Dextre uses the Multifunction Tool and an accompanying adapter to remove the tertiary cap and stow it away. Then, Dextre uses the Wire Cutter Tool again to cut the wire securing the safety cap and actuation nut. Dextre swaps out the Multifunction Tool with the Safety Cap Tool so that it can remove the last cap blocking access to the fuel valve: the safety cap. The Safety Cap Tool removes the safety cap, and the tool is re-stowed inside RRM.

Refuel The valve is accessible and the Nozzle Tool can now be connected. Dextre grabs the Nozzle Tool (which has a hose attached to it) and then threads the Nozzle Tool onto the fuel valve. A sequence of commands are sent to RRM that transfer 0.45 gallons (1.7 liters) of ethanol from RRM's fluid transfer system, into the Nozzle Tool and through the attached fuel valve. When the fluid transfer is complete, the Nozzle Tool disconnects from the valve. It leaves behind a "quick disconnect" fitting that provides a secondary seal to the fuel valve. This would allow for a simpler and more efficient refueling connection in the future.