22-10-2012, 05:44 PM
The Perfect Mate for Safe Fueling
ABSTRACT
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 gases, 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.