Cryogenic Refueling Demonstration on the Robotic Refueling Mission – 3 (RRM3)

Paper number

IAC-19,D1,6,1,x51123

Author

Dr. Susan Breon, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Mr. Robert Boyle, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Mr. Matthew Francom, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Mr. C. Hudson DeLee, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Mr. John Francis, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Dr. Shuvo Mustafi, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Dr. Peter Barfknecht, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Ms. Jill McGuire, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Mr. Matthew Ashmore, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Mr. Mark Neuman, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Year

2019

Abstract

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\begin{document}
On Dec. 5, 2018 NASA launched the Robotic Refueling Mission – 3 (RRM3) payload aboard SpaceX Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) 16 to the International Space Station (ISS).  RRM3 was berthed on the ISS Express Logistics Carrier (ELC) on Dec. 15.  RRM3 is a mission to demonstrate techniques for robotic refueling of liquid methane, a cryogenic fuel.  RRM3 builds on the previous success of RRM1 and RRM2, which demonstrated the ability to access, uncap, and reseal fueling valves on a simulated uncooperative spacecraft interface.  On RRM3, liquid methane flows through each of three transfer lines from a Source Dewar to a Receiver Dewar.  The hard transfer line was plumbed in during the build of the payload and does not require robotic operation.  The CryoCoupler Assembly (CCA) transfer line requires robotic mating of a Cooperative Service Valve (CSV) prior to the transfer to mimic refueling of a cooperative payload.  The most challenging transfer is through the Cryo Transfer Hose (CTH) flexline, which simulates refueling of an uncooperative payload.  The flexline is robotically positioned and inserted through an open port and snakes through plumbing before seating at the tank inlet.  Passage of the flexline through a restriction is observed by the Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot 2 (VIPIR2), a borescope camera that is maneuvered into position through a tortuous path, then retracted to allow the inspection port to be sealed prior to the flow of methane.  All robotic operations are monitored through two cameras mounted on RRM3, one stationary and one capable of panning and tilting.  

This paper describes the results of the two robotic transfers and compares them to the non-robotic transfer.  Differences between the transfer parameters are discussed, particularly those that relate to differences in the tools and transfer lines associated with the cooperative and uncooperative interfaces.  
\end{document}

Abstract document

IAC-19,D1,6,1,x51123.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,D1,6,1,x51123.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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