Hypergol Refueling Tool (HRT) and Quick Disconnect (QD) System

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. A non-cooperative satellite is a satellite that was not designed with on-orbit servicing in mind. Compared to a cooperative servicing interface, non-cooperative interfaces pose unique difficulties and challenges. Refueling is important to resupply of propellant and required pressurants or other media that allow a satellite with depleted fuel stores to extend its life. A potential, and likely, end-of-life event for a satellite is the depletion of propellant. Historically, satellites whose hardware and software components are still functioning properly will be decommissioned or de-orbited because the lack of onboard propellant does not permit proper spacecraft attitude and navigational control. The HRT and QD System can service non-cooperative satellites, addressing the challenges presented by noncooperative interfaces in order to access, interface, and manipulate non-cooperative assets.