NASA and CSA begin testing satellite refueling on the ISS
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RRM operations begin again on the International Space Station (Image: NASA)
The RRM Multifunction Tool (Image: NASA)
The Multifunction Tool uses its attached adapter to manipulate a plug located under the Ambient Cap on the RRM module (Image: NASA/CSA)
Dextre and the Multifunction Tool carefully position the Tertiary Cap Adapter over the Tertiary Cap Receptacle on the RRM module (Image: NASA/CSA)
The RRM Multifunction Tool removes and stows a T-valve on the RRM module (Image: NASA)
The RRM Multifunction Tool (left) approaches the T-Valve Adapter (Image: NASA)
Dextre stows the Multifunction Tool with the Tertiary Cap Adapter attached (Image: NASA)
RRM T-valve Adapter (Image: NASA)
T-Valve Adapter attached to the Multifunction Tool (Image: NASA)
Ambient Cap with securing wire (Image: NASA)
The Multifunction Tool with its T-Valve Adapter closes in to retrieve the T-Valve on the RRM module (Image: NASA)
Ambient Cap adapter used in removing the Ambient Cap (Image: NASA)
Plug Manipulation Adapter (Image: NASA)
Tertiary Cap Adapter used to remove protective layering from the RRM satellite fuel valve (Image: NASA)
Dextre on the ISS (Image: NASA)
The Robotic Refueling Mission experiment (hanging from carrier, left), as it is being installed in the STS-135 shuttle payload canister at Kennedy Space Center (Image: NASA)
Dextre moves the RRM Wire Cutter Tool into place (Image: NASA)
The Canadian Dextre robot approaches the RRM module on the International Space Station during the RRM Gas Fittings Removal task. (Image: NASA)
Dextre on the ISS (Image: NASA)
Diagram of Dextre (Image: CSA)
Dextre on the ISS (Image: NASA)
Dextre on the ISS (Image: NASA)
RRM being installed on the ISS (Image: NASA)
The Dextre robot moves the RRM Multifunction Tool towards the RRM module (Image: NASA)
Dextre's robotic offset tool to help it reach objects (Image: CSA)
Dextre's robotic micro-conical tool for manipulating unusually shaped objects (Image: CSA)
Dextre's socket extension tool (Image: CSA)
Demonstration model of the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) module (Image: NASA/Frankie Martin)
The Robotic Refueling Mission module on the International Space Station (Image: NASA)
The Robotic Refueling Mission module on the International Space Station (Image: NASA)
The Robotic Refueling Mission module on the International Space Station (Image: NASA)
The Robotic Refueling Mission Tools Team tests an RRM tool at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (Image: NASA)
The Robotic Refueling Mission module installed in Atlantis' cargo bay for the STS-135 flight (Image: NASA)
Artist's concept of Dextre and the RRM module (Image: NASA)
RRM being installed on the ISS (Image: NASA)
Artist's concept of camera and lights on Dextre's manipulator (Image: NASA)
Dextre on the ISS (Image: NASA)
The Robotic Refueling Mission module on the International Space Station (Image: NASA)
Dextre on the ISS (Image: NASA)
Dextre removes the RRM Safety Cap Tool from the RRM module during the RRM Gas Fittings Removal task (Image: NASA)
A FANUC industrial robot used as an Earth-side stand-in for Dextre (Image: NASA)
Article Summary
NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have begun practicing satellite refueling in space on a test bed outside the International Space Station (ISS). In a series of tests that started on January 14 and are scheduled to continue until the 25th, the two space agencies are using the Robotic Refueling Module (RRM) and Canada’s Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or Dextre, robot to carry out simulated refueling operations. The purpose of these tests is to develop refueling methods aimed at extending the life of satellites and reducing the amount of space debris orbiting the Earth.
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