Technology helps push the development of future human missions to the moon, Mars and beyond. And in order for astronauts to journey farther and live longer, according to NASA, teams will need to store and transfer super-cold liquids used for fuel and life support systems in space. The Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3) was developed for this specific task and can now transfer and store cryogenic fuel in space for the first time.

Some Assembly Required
NASA launched the device to the International Space Station in December of last year, while astronauts Anne McClain of NASA and David Saint-Jacques of the Canadian Space Agency assembled the mission’s custom transfer tools and prepared them for installation on RRM3 by mid-February.

RRM3 consists of two primary parts—the main payload that houses the fluid, transfer lines and tanks, and three external tools mounted on a pedestal. The three tools are the Multi-Function Tool 2, that operates smaller specialized tools to prepare for the fluid transfer; the Cryogen Servicing Tool 2, that uses a hose to connect the tank filled with liquid methane to the empty tank; and the Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot 2, that uses a state-of-the-art robotic camera to make sure tools are properly positioned.

Shortly after RRM3’s arrival, the space station’s robotic arm Dextre affixed the main payload to the station. Meanwhile, the pedestal and tools made their way inside for assembly. With assembly complete, Dextre will soon attach the integrated hardware to the payload.

Looking Forward
With both parts together in one piece, RRM3 will begin operations in the next few months. Dextre will use the tools to transfer the cryogenic fuel to an empty tank and monitor the process. The technology demonstration will help make future exploration missions sustainable and prove that the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts.

​RRM3 builds on the first two phases of International Space Station technology demonstrations that tested tools, technologies and techniques to refuel and repair satellites in orbit. It is developed and operated by the Satellite Servicing Projects Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt MD and managed by the Technology Demonstration Missions program office within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.