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 by Staff Writers San Francisco CA (SPX) Feb 24, 2021
Orbit Fab, the Gas Stations in Space company, and Benchmark Space Systems (BSS), a leading provider of in-space mobility solutions, has announced a green, hydrogen-peroxide based refueling and servicing infrastructure partnership to extend satellite missions and provide the essential fuel for the evolving ecosystem in space. As part of the teaming, Orbit Fab will bundle its RAFTI fluid transfer interface with Benchmark's Halcyon thruster system to offer an integrated refillable, non-toxic propulsion package. The innovative refueling solution is set for a technical demonstration at the SpaceX launch pad and in space aboard Orbit Fab's first operational fuel depot to be lifted into orbit on a Falcon 9 later this year. Benchmark Space Systems will use Orbit Fab's Satellite Gas Cap fluid transfer interface, known as RAFTI, to fuel Orbit Fab's Tanker-001 Tenzing on the ground. Benchmark will also offer the RAFTI interface as an option with its Halcyon and Peregrine propulsion solutions for in-orbit refueling. "We expect the bundled high-test peroxide-based propulsion package will become an essential building block for the in-orbit ecosystem for satellite servicing, national security, and space commercialization," said Daniel Faber, CEO of Orbit Fab. "Together with Benchmark Space Systems, we share a long-term perspective and commitment in order to establish a sustainable in-space infrastructure that enables spacecraft to 'maneuver without regret.' And we benefit tremendously from the maturity of the Benchmark propulsion system, which is already flight qualified." "Our non-toxic, hydrogen-peroxide fueled propulsion systems provide the thrust levels, precision and control required for a broad range of rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), and our integration with Orbit Fab's RAFTI fuel port opens the door to a safe, sustainable infrastructure for in-space mobility," said Ryan McDevitt, Benchmark Space Systems CEO. "Spaceflight Inc.'s Sherpa Orbital Transfer Vehicle is a great example of the immediate and fielded customer base we see for Orbit Fab's refueling depots and our HTP propulsion package that opens the door to an exciting new ecosystem in space." Benchmark recently announced an exclusive services agreement with rideshare leader Spaceflight to provide a full range of non-toxic chemical propulsion solutions designed to accelerate satellite rideshare deployments to prime orbital locations aboard its next-generation Sherpa OTVs. Astro Digital is integrating Orbit Fab's fuel tanker including Benchmark's Halcyon system for positioning and steering along with other customer payloads being hosted by Astro Digital on an AD Corvus Micro Satellite bus launching to sun synchronous orbit. Orbit Fab intends to operate many satellite tankers with HTP and has agreed to use Benchmark as its propulsion system provider for these future missions. Orbit Fab's Tanker-001 Tenzing will store HTP propellant in sun synchronous orbit, where it will be available to satellite servicing vehicles and other spacecraft as they need to be refueled. Hydrogen peroxide is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective fuel that is particularly effective for in-space thrust and maneuverability. When compared to electric propulsion systems, non-toxic chemical propulsion, such as HTP-based systems, delivers spacecraft to their orbital locations much faster.
Researchers use origami to solve space travel challenge Pullman WA (SPX) Dec 16, 2020 WSU researchers have used the ancient Japanese art of paper folding to possibly solve a key challenge for outer space travel - how to store and move fuel to rocket engines. The researchers have developed an origami-inspired, folded plastic fuel bladder that doesn't crack at super cold temperatures and could someday be used to store and pump fuel. Led by graduate student Kjell Westra and Jake Leachman, associate professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, the researchers have p ... read more
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