NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
The Robotic Refueling Mission “Fuel Pump”
NASA image captured January 15, 2011
The Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) Nozzle Tool– the star in the January 2013 Refueling operations– 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 Nozzle Tool has an anti-cross-threading feature that ensures it cannot damage the satellite fuel valve by screwing the fuel cap on the wrong way. The “quick disconnect” fitting that the tool leaves behind replaces the seals that would have been removed and gives operators easy future access to the valve, should it be needed.
Image Credit: NASA
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
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The Robotic Refueling Mission “Fuel Pump”
NASA image captured January 15, 2011
The Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) Nozzle Tool– the star in the January 2013 Refueling operations– 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 Nozzle Tool has an anti-cross-threading feature that ensures it cannot damage the satellite fuel valve by screwing the fuel cap on the wrong way. The “quick disconnect” fitting that the tool leaves behind replaces the seals that would have been removed and gives operators easy future access to the valve, should it be needed.
Image Credit: NASA
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Find us on Instagram