Empowering future space robots to transfer hazardous oxidizer - a type of propellant - into the tanks of satellites in space, NASA has successfully concluded a remotely-controlled test of the new technology.
The robotic refuelling technologies would equip robots and humans with the tools and capabilities needed for spacecraft maintenance and repair, the assembly of large space telescopes and extended human exploration, NASA said.
In this direction, the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, has completed Remote Robotic Oxidizer Transfer Test (RROxiTT), according to IANS.
"This is the first time that anyone has tested this type of technology, and we have proven that it works. It is ready for the next step to flight," said Frank Cepollina, associate director of SSCO.
To test how robots can transfer hazardous oxidizer at flight-like pressures and flow rates, the SSCO team devised the ground-based RROxiTT through the propellant valve and into the mock tank of a satellite.
Oxidizer - namely nitrogen tetroxide - is a chemical that when mixed with satellite fuel causes instant combustion that provides thrust (motion) for a satellite, IANS reported.
"The liquid is contained within a satellite tank at intense pressures. Toxic, extremely corrosive and compressed, it requires special handling," IANS reported. "While this capability could be applied to spacecraft in multiple orbits, SSCO focused RROxiTT specifically on technologies that could help satellites traveling the busy space highway of geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO)."
Home to more than 400 satellites, many of which beam communications, television and weather data to customers worldwide, this orbital path is located about 35,200 km above earth, a NASA release said.
According to IANS, the team is also gearing up for the next phase of the robotic refueling mission on the International Space Station (ISS).
"By developing robotic capabilities to repair and refuel GEO satellites, NASA hopes to add precious years of functional life to satellites and expand options for operators who face unexpected emergencies, tougher economic demands and aging fleets," explained Benjamin Reed, deputy project manager of SSCO.
NASA also hopes these new technologies would help boost the commercial satellite-servicing industry that is rapidly gaining momentum.
"Sustainable space development is not only good stewardship of the shared resource of outer space but it also makes sense as we develop the skill set to embark humans deeper into our solar system," concluded Reed.
No comments:
Post a Comment