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THE PERFECT MATE FOR SAFE FUELING
TRANSPORTATION
ORIGINATING TECHNOLOGY/NASA CONTRIBUTION
Referred to as the “lifeline for any space launch vehicle” by NASA Space Launch
Initiative Program Manager Warren Wiley, an umbilical is a large device that
transports power, communications, instrument readings, and fluids such as propellants,
pressurization gasses, and coolants from one source to another. Numerous launch
vehicles, planetary systems, and rovers require umbilical “mating.” This process
is a driving factor for dependable and affordable space access.
With future-generation space vehicles in mind, NASA
recently designed a smart, automated method for quickly
and reliably mating and demating electrical and
fluid umbilical connectors. The new umbilical concept is expected to replace
NASA’s traditional umbilical systems that release at vehicle lift-off (T-0).
The idea is to increase safety by automatically performing hazardous tasks, thus
reducing potential failure modes and the time and labor hours necessary to prepare
for launch. The new system will also be used as a test bed for quick disconnect
development and for advance control and leak detection. It incorporates concepts
such as a secondary mate plate, robotic machine vision, and compliant motor motion control, and is destined to advance usage
of automated umbilicals in a variety of aerospace and commercial applications.
PARTNERSHIP
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| The Smart Remote Umbilical Mating System is one of the most advanced fueling
systems available in today’s market, as it decreases
the need for human intervention during potentially
dangerous fueling operations. |
Under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with Kennedy Space
Center, Rohwedder, Inc., of Orlando, Florida, has
successfully commercialized the Smart Remote Umbilical
Mating System (SRUMS), based on NASA’s next-generation
umbilical technology. In June 2002, Rohwedder delivered
a working prototype to NASA. The Space Agency then
added its personal touches to fulfill its requirements
for spacecraft applications, including remote operation
capability and an improved vision system.
PRODUCT OUTCOME
SRUMS is one of the most advanced fueling systems available in today’s market,
as it decreases the need for human intervention during
potentially dangerous fueling
operations. Applications include the individual
and gang mating of launch vehicles, as well as commercial
aircraft
at airport terminals, trucks at truck stops, military
vehicles in the field or depot, and fleet automobiles
at service stations and depots. The technology could
potentially come in handy at fueling facilities for
commercial vehicles utilizing alternative fuels.
Major automotive companies are currently working
on prototype hydrogen-fueled vehicles where the SRUMS
technology could provide a useful margin of safety
in fueling operations.
NASA tested the SRUMS technology at its
Launch Equipment Test Facility, where it was installed
on the Agency’s “ASEA” robot—a mechanism that simulates
the motions of a launch vehicle triggered by wind
pressure. Looking ahead to future exploration missions,
NASA is considering SRUMS for methane-fueled Mars
exploration rovers. Additionally, with the capability
to connect, disconnect, and reconnect during any
point in the countdown process, SRUMS could lead to
cheaper,
safer, and more reliable
launches for all future space vehicles.
The Space
Launch Initiative is a NASA-wide research and development
program managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center.
Its mission is to open space for commercial, scientific,
and personal pursuits, and to enable exploration
of the universe by rendering space transportation
much safer, less expensive, and more reliable than
current commercial launch vehicles.
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