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The HRT and QD System was designed for satellite Fill and Drain Valves (FDVs), however, the architecture and approach are extensible to all space assets that could potentially be fueled/re-fueled on and off the ground, including but not limited to manned crew vehicles, planetary rovers, and space habitats. In the same vein, the solution is extensible to spacecraft propellants, pressurants, and other media beyond hypergolic fuels. It can be used in the delivery or receipt of media. The HRT-QD is a separate end adapter onto the HRT; the HRT-QD interfaces with the client FDV. The HRT utilizes two rotary drives to actuate the HRT-QD such that the HRT-QD can affect a seal to the FDV, and open/close the FDV while maintaining this seal. The HRT also has linear drive actuated mechanisms that locks/releases the HRT-QD from the HRT. The HRT is mated to a flexible fuel hose. The fuel hose allows propellant to be transferred from the servicer propellant transfer assembly into the HRT, and further into the HRT-QD and into the client spacecraft via the FDV. This system is mated to, and actuated, by Advanced Tool Drive System 2.0. This technology is TRL 4 (component and/or breadboard validated in laboratory environment) and available for licensing.

The Client Berthing System (CBS) was originally designed for NASA’s On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) spacecraft, which will grapple and refuel the LandSat 7 satellite. After the OSAM-1 spacecraft has rendezvoused with LandSat 7, a robotic arm equipped with a gripper tool will autonomously grapple the satellite’s Marman ring (launch separation ring) and affix it to the CBS in the appropriate refueling position. The CBS is comprised of three posts protruding from the servicing satellite, each with integrated berthing mechanisms, distributed in a radial pattern of 120&#176; along the client’s Marman ring diameter. Each berthing mechanism includes a rotary clamping jaw with a drawdown and radial contact portion. The clamping jaws are actuated by a motor-driven leadscrew and guided by recirculating linear ball bearings. After the servicing spacecraft’s robotic arm has placed the client satellite Marman ring into the CBS berthing box, the clamping jaws simultaneously move radially inward towards the center of the ring. The lead-in features of the jaws exert downward pressure on the ring, driving it towards the jaw palms as the lead-in portion rises over the surface of the ring flange. Once the flange is drawn down such that it contacts the radial clamp surface of the jaws, force is exerted causing the jaws to pivot, driving the underside of the lead-in surfaces into contact with the upper flange surface. As the jaw mechanisms continue to drive, increased axial load squeezes the ring flange between the lead-in-feature and palm of the jaws, stabilizing the connection. At a predetermined load, brakes are engaged, and system motors shut off. A NASA-developed Marman ring location detection system is employed to guide the berthing process. NASA has developed a suite of cutting-edge technologies that can help your business develop robust satellite servicing offerings. For additional information, please see the <i>NASA Satellite Servicing Technologies Available for Licensing</i> link provided.