On-Orbit Spacecraft Re-Fluiding

Book excerpt: The ever-increasing number of space assets and interplanetary missions is creating a requirement for spacecraft service on-orbit. A large demand for this servicing in space is the resupply of consumables and propellants. The benefits of refueling, or refueling as it will be come to be called, are shown in this paper. A discussion of the issues involved with transporting fluids in zero-gravity is also included. Furthermore, the technology necessary to make spacecraft refueling feasible is demonstrated. The main focus of the paper is on the implementation of a servicing vehicle. The propulsion performance necessary for both a manned and automated servicer is investigated using an existing system design that would be based at the International Space Station. The advantages and disadvantages of each system are discussed. The importance of a high performance propulsion system is shown and recommendations are made on this subject. Overall, the servicing vehicle is shown to be most efficient if it were automated and able to provide many services.