Robotic Gas Pumps Are Coming Soon
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RRM tests NASA-developed technologies, tools and procedures to refuel and repair satellites that were not originally designed to be serviced. RRM is expected to pave the way for future robotic servicing missions in space. Science Results for Everyone Information Pending.
During operations, Dextre uses four unique RRM tools to demonstrate satellite-servicing and refueling tasks, including cutting and manipulating protective blankets and wires, unscrewing caps and accessing valves, transferring fluid, and leaving a new cap in place for future refueling activities. The investigation also demonstrates general space robotic operations.
To meet the challenge of on-orbit robotic servicing, the RRM development team assessed what tasks would be necessary for a robot to service a satellite and to access the triple-sealed fuel valve robot arm gas station an orbiting satellite to refuel it.
They then developed the cube-shaped RRM module that breaks down each servicing activity into distinct, testable tasks and provides the components, activity boards, and tools to practice them. RRM is the first NASA on-orbit robot arm gas station of the technology needed to robotically refuel and service spacecraft not originally built for in-flight service. RRM is designed to demonstrate that remote-controlled robots can perform servicing robot arm gas station refueling tasks in orbit via ground commanding.
As the first on-orbit attempt to test robotic refueling techniques for spacecraft not built with on-orbit servicing in mind, RRM is expected to reduce risks robot arm gas station lay the foundation for future robotic servicing mission.
Description NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission RRM is an external International Space Station investigation designed to demonstrate and test the tools, technologies and techniques needed to robotically refuel and repair satellites in space, especially satellites that were not designed to be serviced. It is expected to reduce risks and lay the foundation for future robotic servicing missions. RRM also marks the first use of Dextre beyond assembly and maintenance of the space station for technology research and development.
The ELC provides command, telemetry and power support for the investigation. To meet the challenge of satellite servicing and robotic refueling, the RRM development team assessed what tasks would be necessary for a robot to perform various servicing tasks, including accessing the triple-sealed fuel valve of an orbiting satellite to refuel it. The RRM module is about the size of a washing machine and weighs approximately pounds kgwith dimensions of 43" by 33" by 45" cm by 84 cm by cm.
Dextre uses the RRM tools to cut and manipulate protective blankets and wires, unscrew caps and access valves, transfer fluid, and leave a new fuel cap in place. At one stage of the mission, Dextre uses RRM tools to open up a fuel valve, similar to those commonly used on satellites today, and transfer liquid ethanol across a robotically mated interface via a sophisticated robotic fueling hose.
Each task is performed using the components and activity boards contained within and covering the exterior of the RRM module. The robot arm gas station also demonstrates general space robotic repair and servicing operations. Completing the demonstration validates the tool designs complemented with camerasthe fuel pumping system, and the robotic task planning, all of which can be used during the design of a potential future servicing spacecraft.
The six RRM tasks consist of: Launch Lock Removal and Vision - On September, mission controllers use the Dextre robot to successfully release the "launch locks" on the four RRM servicing tools. Once this task is complete, the RRM team then uses Dextre's cameras to image the RRM hardware in robot arm gas station sunlight and darkness, providing data that NASA's Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office uses robot arm gas station develop machine vision algorithms that work in spite of harsh on-orbit lighting.
Refueling - After Dextre opens up a fuel valve that is similar to those commonly used on satellites today, it tests the transfer of liquid ethanol through a sophisticated robotic fueling hose.
Thermal Blanket Manipulation - Dextre practices slicing off thermal blanket tape and folding back the thermal blanket to reveal the contents underneath. Screw Fastener Removal - Dextre robotically unscrews robot arm gas station bolts fasteners. Electrical Cap Removal - Dextre removes the caps that would typically cover a satellite's electrical receptacle.
RRM launches to the space station with four unique tools developed at Goddard: Each tool is stored in its own storage bay in the RRM module until Dextre retrieves it for use. To give mission controllers the ability to see and control the robot arm gas station, each tool contains two integral cameras with built-in LEDs. The Wire Cutter Tool's precision and fine-grabbing capabilities allow it to both snip tiny wires and safely move aside delicate thermal blankets.
Robot arm gas station spade bit on the tool's tip can slice blanket tape. Its parallel jaw grippers are able to grab a satellite's appendages.
The Multifunction Tool lives up to its name by robot arm gas station doing the work of four tools. It connects with four unique adapters to capture and remove three distinct caps and robot arm gas station one robot arm gas station "plug" on the RRM module.
The Safety Cap Tool removes and stows a typical fuel-valve safety cap and its seal. Small adapters allow it to also manipulate screws and remove caps on the RRM module. The Nozzle Tool connects to, opens and ultimately closes a satellite fuel valve. Using an attached hose, it transfers a representative satellite fuel in a continuous loop to simulate the refueling of a satellite. The fuel cap that the tool leaves behind has a "quick disconnect" fitting that gives operators easy robot arm gas station access to the valve, should it be needed.
One of the secondary goals of RRM is to collect performance data from all RRM operations conducted on the space station and use this information to validate "tool-to-spacecraft" simulations of contact dynamics on the ground.
One objective is to validate robot arm gas station the facility accurately simulates the dynamic space environment of the space station. More information about the facility is available here: Atlantis, the same shuttle that carried tools and instruments for the final, crewmember-based Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 4, now carries the first step to on-orbit robotic refueling and satellite servicing on the last shuttle mission to space.
Space Applications RRM is showing that remote-controlled robots, with the right set of tools and technologies, can perform complicated servicing and refueling tasks in orbit. Earth Applications Robotic satellite refueling and servicing would allow spacecraft to live and operate longer in space. Satellite owners and operators could save significant cost and effort, which would otherwise be spent building new replacements.
Before a satellite leaves the ground, technicians fill its fuel tank through a valve that is then triple-sealed and covered with a protective blanket, designed never to be accessed again.
RRM tests whether a robot can remove these barriers and refuel such a satellite in space through a series of activity boards and four unique RRM tools specially designed to get the job done. It also demonstrates a suite of general robotic satellite-servicing tasks and activities. Dextre was developed by the CSA to perform delicate assembly and maintenance tasks on the ISS's exterior as an extension of its foot-long The RRM box, which was ultimately mounted on an external ISS platform, includes protective thermal blankets, caps, valves, simulated fuel, and other components that need to be pushed back, cut through, unscrewed and transferred.
Each component robot arm gas station activity board represents an individual refueling task, and each RRM tool is designed to efficiently complete a wide range of targeted tasks.
