On-Orbit Fluid Couplings

An enabling technology for such programs as the Space Based Laser is the ability to transfer fluids on orbit from one spacecraft to another. There are many issues to be overcome, such as how is the mate made between the two spacecraft, what pressures canbe maintained, and can leaks of extremely harmful fluids be minimized. There have been a number of fluid coupling devices made in recent years, though they don't meet all the requirements for use on the Space Based Laser. Mid¿ proposes an innovativedesign in which accounts for the harsh fluids that will need to be transferred. The technology relies on basic principles to improve the reliability and to reduce risk in the process. On-orbit fluid transfer is an enabling technology for the servicing ofspacecraft. Work in the Air Force, as well as other organizations such as MDA, has progressed in the field of On-Orbit Servicing, though it is still years from operation. It is an enabling technology for Space Based Laser. It also can reduce launchcosts of typical satellites since they no longer will need to carry a lifetime amount of fuel at launch from earth.