The Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) is an external International Space Station experiment designed to demonstrate and test the technologies, tools, and techniques needed to robotically refuel and repair satellites, especially those not designed with servicing in mind. Credit: NASA
Just in time for Christmas, there’s a new example of services that the Robotic Refueling Mission on the International Space Station provided Santa Claus.
Thanks to the NASA’s Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office, Santa was able to complete all his rounds on Christmas Eve.
Check out this insightful outer space video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyhxY6mPXSY
The Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) is an external International Space Station experiment designed to demonstrate and test the technologies, tools, and techniques needed to robotically refuel and repair satellites, especially those not designed with servicing in mind.
“On-Orbit Satellite Servicing” brings the practical options of repair, refueling, and assembly to space-based exploration and commercial space ventures. It allows one to fix mistakes, upgrade quickly and extend operational life when needed.
RRM operations are entirely remote controlled by flight controllers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., Johnson Space Center in Houston, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., and the Canadian Space Agency’s control center in St. Hubert, Quebec.
The Robotic Refueling Mission will use the International Space Station’s “Dextre” robot.
Dextre is the International Space Station’s twin-armed Canadian robotic “handyman.” It was developed by the Canadian Space Agency to perform delicate assembly and maintenance tasks on the station’s exterior.
By Leonard David