The proposal grew out of a $20 million study that seeks to examine lessons from the five past Hubble-servicing missions, as well as earlier plans for a possible robotic mission to service Hubble. Such an effort might not only pave the way for orbital gas stations, but also test the robotic installation of new instruments or even orbital spacecraft assembly.
“We’ve already developed a prototype tool that’s pretty cool that can cut through the external skin or insulation on the satellite, snip the safety wire on the cap on the fuel valve, attach the hose and turn the valve and transfer the fuel into the vehicle,” said Preston Burch, the Hubble program manager, during a Jan. 11 announcement.
Funding for the study does not cover an actual flight test to the space station that would allow the testing to take place. But NASA may very well spring for the mission, even if it remains unsure of extending the space station’s life beyond 2016. A final report on the study is slated for presentation before Congress in September.
Successful robotic refueling could go a long way toward extending the life of current satellites or spacecraft missions. But we’re really looking forward to the in-flight refueling for colony ships on the way to Mars or other star systems.
[via Aviation Week]
Popular Science has been a leading source of science, technology and gadget news since 1872. With up-to-the minute latest space news, insightful commentary on the new innovations and concept cars ...if it's new or future technology you'll find it at popsci.com.au.
WW Media - Popular Science © 2010
Cameras - Home Entertainment - Mobile Phones