The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refuelling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refuelling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft or space station in which the refuelling satellite is ferried into space in the case of the larger space craft or it may be stored on the space station until needed from which it can be launched. The system includes a robotic arm, suitable tools which can be affixed to the end effector of the robotic arm required for accessing, opening and closing the fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The system is under teleoperation by a remotely located operator, for example located on earth, in the mother station or in the space station. Cameras are included focussed on the robotic arm and end effector and images are transmitted to the operator to allow the operator to direct and control the refuelling procedure. The system may also be configured to be operated autonomously under computer control.


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    Title :

    SATELLITE REFUELLING SYSTEM AND METHOD


    Additional title:

    SATELLITENAUFTANKSYSTEM UND -VERFAHREN
    SYSTÈME ET PROCÉDÉ DE RAVITAILLEMENT D'UN SATELLITE


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2018-05-09


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    B25J Manipulatoren , MANIPULATORS / B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS / B67D Ausschenken, Abgeben oder Überleiten von Flüssigkeiten, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen , DISPENSING, DELIVERING, OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR



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