Comments on: More orbital tugs reach orbit

By: Jeff Wright

Jeff Wright — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:48:50 +0000

There is something called a Tesla valve (that looks a bit like the looping straws we had as kids).

This enhances flow in one direction and retards it in the other. No moving parts.

By: pzatchok

pzatchok — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 23:05:54 +0000

My biggest question about fueling in space is the liquid cryogenic connections. Either they will be small and slow or larger than is needed for small sats.

Fitting sizes will have to scale up with the amount of liquid to transfer.

Unless like I have said before you just trade off new tanks for old.

By: mkent

mkent — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:35:39 +0000

”One of the things we need is a standard mooring, not only providing mechanical mooring, but also standardized power, liquid and gas connections.”

There already is, at least for mechanical, electrical power, and signal: the ESPA interface. Many of these new tugs are based on the ESPA ring.

By: Col Beausabre

Col Beausabre — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:08:11 +0000

One of the things we need is a standard mooring, not only providing mechanical mooring, but also standardized power, liquid and gas connections. In the event it will probably be MILSPEC, as DOD – specifically the Space Force – has the size, missions and funding to deeply influence the market.