Canada\u2019s star space robot Dextre has completed tasks aimed at finding solutions to enable the robotic refueling of spacecraft. Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3) followed on from the previous two test objectives that are evaluating techniques at advancing satellite servicing capabilities and enabling long-duration, deep space exploration.\n<\/p>\n
RRM is an ISS payload developed by the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO) at NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) \u2013 the same team that managed the highly intricate Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Servicing Missions via the Space Shuttle. It is designed to test procedures for refueling satellites in space, among other objectives.<\/p>\n
The RRM1 launched on STS-135 back in July 2011 and Dextre showed off its skills by using an array of tools to conduct objectives that are set to be employed on future missions. This first series of tests were completed early in 2013 and deemed to be a success, paving the way for RRM2 in 2015.<\/p>\n
RRM3 \u2013 launched on a SpaceX Dragon during CRS-16 \u2013 builds on those early phases of ISS technology demonstrations that tested tools, technologies, and techniques to refuel and repair satellites in orbit.<\/p>\n
Most satellite lifespans are based on the onboard propellant \u2013 or consumables \u2013 required for stationkeeping. Once they run out of fuel, they can lose their required position in space and become useless to the customer. Coolant for the thermal conditioning of onboard hardware is also a limiting consumable.<\/p>\n
At present, there is no ability to replenish such consumables. RRM is aiming to change that paradigm.<\/p>\n
RRM3 builds on the first two phases of technology demonstrations that tested tools, technologies, and techniques to refuel and repair satellites in orbit. RRM3 extended these demonstrations to include technologies needed to store and transfer super-cold cryogenic fluids.<\/p>\n
The primary objectives of the tests included the demonstration of techniques necessary to perform cryogenic liquid methane transfer in micro-gravity and maintaining cryogen fluid mass long term (>3 months) via zero boil-off.<\/p>\n
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