NASA and CSA Begin Testing Satellite Refueling On the ISS

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NASA and CSA Begin Testing Satellite Refueling On the ISS

Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday January 23, 2013 @01:22PM from the trying-it-out dept.

Zothecula writes "NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have begun practicing satellite refueling in space on a test bed outside the International Space Station (ISS). In a series of tests that started on January 14 and are scheduled to continue until the 25th, the two space agencies are using the Robotic Refueling Module (RRM) and Canada's Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or Dextre, robot to carry out simulated refueling operations. The purpose of these tests is to develop refueling methods aimed at extending the life of satellites and reducing the amount of space debris orbiting the Earth."

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dangerous place to practice refueling? by schlachter · 2013-01-23 13:24 · Score: 2, Interesting

Outside the ISS seems like the last place you'd want to practice refueling.

--
My God can beat up your God. Just kidding...don't take offense. I know there's no God.
1. Re:dangerous place to practice refueling? by eksith · 2013-01-23 13:25 · Score: 1
  
  Practice makes perfect. Perfect practice is even better, and that's harder on just a sim.
  
  --
  If computers were people, I'd be a misanthrope.
2. Re:dangerous place to practice refueling? by xs650 · 2013-01-23 13:50 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Outside the ISS is the next to the last place I would like to try it. Inside the ISS is the last place I would try it
3. Re:dangerous place to practice refueling? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 14:11 · Score: 0
  
  Reading comprehension -1
  "simulated refueling operations."
4. Re:dangerous place to practice refueling? by FatLittleMonkey · 2013-01-23 19:58 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Outside the ISS seems like the last place you'd want to practice refueling.
  The simulated "fuel" is ethanol. So no one, particularly the Russians, are complaining.
  
  --
  Science is all about firing a drunk pig out of a cannon just to see what happens.
5. Re:dangerous place to practice refueling? by FireFury03 · 2013-01-24 01:15 · Score: 1
  
  The simulated "fuel" is ethanol. So no one, particularly the Russians, are complaining.
  I dunno, in an accident losing that much vodka to the vacuum of space would be a disaster!
  
  --
  http://blog.nexusuk.org
6. Re:dangerous place to practice refueling? by GodfatherofSoul · 2013-01-24 05:15 · Score: 1
  
  "Mission control, we have an...err...fuel leak <glug glug glug>. The robot was lost! Could you please send up another, and some olives?"
  
  --
  I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!
rasputin by nucleofide · 2013-01-23 13:27 · Score: 0

robots and their brain
the 22nd they will be
centuries later concurred
Predicting it now!
1. Re:rasputin by RaceProUK · 2013-01-24 00:26 · Score: 1
  
  robots and their brain the 22nd they will be centuries later concurred
  Predicting it now!
  Erm... 47?
  
  --
  No colour or religion ever stopped the bullet from a gun
It's about time... by rmdingler · 2013-01-23 13:30 · Score: 0

Space exploration's rapid advancement is only made more viable if we give up this hokey notion of manned flights. Sure, one day suspended animation will be more of a scientific certainty, but these bots can explore and make ready for human exploration a host of off-planet locations.

--
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.
Ernest Hemingway
1. Re:It's about time... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 13:54 · Score: 0
  
  What the hell are you talking about?
2. Re:It's about time... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 14:18 · Score: 0
  
  You do realize that this has absolutely nothing to do with that, right? At most this would permit the fueling of ships in orbit. Other than that, it has absolutely no connection whatsoever with those sorts of deep space expeditions.
  Also, it's not hokey, without sending people into space, have you any idea how hard it would have been to convince people to send robots? Or how much further behind we'd be at this stage had we waited until we could send robots?
  Also, sending humans hasn't caused us to stop sending robots, we've managed to send probes outside the solar system, so I'm not sure how much more progress you're expecting.
3. Re:It's about time... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 14:44 · Score: 0
  
  But thinking space is just a kind of Wal Mart is the hallmark of intelligence...
4. Re:It's about time... by nucleofide · 2013-01-23 15:07 · Score: 1
  
  space.. it HAS.. it MUST be the walmart
5. Re:It's about time... by haruchai · 2013-01-23 15:32 · Score: 1
  
  Since God won't reply, allow me to assist.
  You are an American democrat.
  Satisfied?
  
  --
  Pain is merely failure leaving the body
Why is Exxon-Mobil not involved ? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 13:40 · Score: 0

It's the start of space refueling
Why is Exxon-Mobil not involved ??
1. Re:Why is Exxon-Mobil not involved ? by The+Grim+Reefer · 2013-01-23 14:51 · Score: 2
  
  It's the start of space refueling
  Why is Exxon-Mobil not involved ??
  Two words: Exxon Valdez
2. Re:Why is Exxon-Mobil not involved ? by JustOK · 2013-01-23 15:25 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Oh, that's pretty slick.
  
  --
  rewriting history since 2109
Simple answer - and why would you bother? by hamster_nz · 2013-01-23 13:52 · Score: 0

Design a replacement satellite with a bigger gas tank.
1. Re:Simple answer - and why would you bother? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 14:52 · Score: 0
  
  And what will you do with that bird that's already in orbit? Let it become even more debris that will contribute to the hazards of further space exploration?
2. Re:Simple answer - and why would you bother? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 17:19 · Score: 0
  
  I imagine the alternative would be to deorbit it.
3. Re:Simple answer - and why would you bother? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-24 17:15 · Score: 0
  
  Which requires fuel.
big deal by PopeRatzo · 2013-01-23 13:59 · Score: 5, Funny

Let me know when I can refuel my Mazda without pulling off the road.
That would be so badass, if there were like these rolling tankers, with the special hose and fittings so you could just drive up next to one, right, like the fighter planes do, and then refuel and just keep rolling.
I'd never stop, except to pee and get more cans of pringles and 2 litre bottles of Coke. Hell, if I had enough empty pringle cans and 2 litre bottles of Coke, I wouldn't have to even stop to pee! And if you lived on pringles and coke you wouldn't have to do anything BUT pee, so you'd have that going for you.
Damn, I love the future...

--
You are welcome on my lawn.
1. Re:big deal by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 14:02 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  You can do it today.
  But I suggest a catheter instead. Either that or get an RV with cruise control.
2. Re:big deal by CoolGopher · 2013-01-23 14:33 · Score: 2
  
  Dude, if you're refuelling on the go, surely the tanker could also sport a chute for dropping more pringles and coke through the side window*?
  *) I'd suggest opening the window first though.
3. Re:big deal by dadelbunts · 2013-01-23 14:46 · Score: 1
  
  If you lived on nothing but pringles and coke you would be pissing out of your ass.
4. Re:big deal by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 16:58 · Score: 0
  
  electric vehicles powered and/or recharged via a powered roadway are not that far off.
5. Re:big deal by ediron2 · 2013-01-23 17:08 · Score: 1
  
  Already been done -- Anyone remember that 'olestra' stuff? Inverted-molecule fat for fat-free pringles? Stuff died a dismal market death when word came out that it tended to cause 'rectal leakage'. Or, as Dave Barry said: "Warning! BUTT DRAINO!"
6. Re:big deal by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-24 00:28 · Score: 0
  
  If you have pringles cans, why do you need to stop to pee?
7. Re:big deal by GameboyRMH · 2013-01-24 01:19 · Score: 1
  
  I'd bet all the money I have that powered roadways will never see the light of day (not counting electric street car wires as are currently in operation).
  
  --
  "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
8. Re:big deal by RNLockwood · 2013-01-24 02:07 · Score: 1
  
  You forgot the windshield washing service.
  BTW do Pringle cans hold liquids? The necks of Coke bottles are way too small for me. Well, whatever works for you.
  
  --
  Nate
9. Re:big deal by SleazyRidr · 2013-01-24 08:52 · Score: 1
  
  Genius. The next step is fitting a Coke tank and a hose to feed it to you. Maybe even some pre-chewing of the pringles... Then you wouldn't even need to open the window, there'd be a similar hookup to the fuel tank.
  
  --
  Is 1563649 a prime number?
10. Re:big deal by SleazyRidr · 2013-01-24 08:53 · Score: 1
  
  The necks of Coke bottles are way too small for me.
  You and your unreasonably large penis are about to find yourself with a bit of a problem.
  
  --
  Is 1563649 a prime number?
11. Re:big deal by turgid · 2013-01-24 09:47 · Score: 1
  
  And what about a rag on a stick for personal hygiene?
  
  --
  Stick Men
12. Re:big deal by dadelbunts · 2013-01-24 13:15 · Score: 1
  
  I LOVED that warning. Anyone who eats something that says "May cause anal leakage" deserves what they get coming.
Oh thank god... by Jhon · 2013-01-23 14:09 · Score: 4, Funny

CSA is the Canadian Space agency! I thought I took a nap and woke in a Turtledove-esq alternate universe where the south won the civil war and were in space!
1. Re:Oh thank god... by mooingyak · 2013-01-23 15:00 · Score: 1
  
  CSA is the Canadian Space agency! I thought I took a nap and woke in a Turtledove-esq alternate universe where the south won the civil war and were in space!
  My first reaction was something like "Oh. The Canadians have a space agency?"
  Have they launched anything? What have they done? I ask this without intending any disrespect -- but if they've got some accomplishments under their belt then they need a better PR machine.
  
  --
  William of Ockham had no beard. The most likely explanation is that it was chewed off by squirrels every morning.
2. Re:Oh thank god... by Jhon · 2013-01-23 15:17 · Score: 1
  
  Three words:
  Space Shuttle Robotic Arm.
  Ok... four words...
3. Re:Oh thank god... by JustOK · 2013-01-23 15:28 · Score: 1
  
  Space Canoes.
  
  --
  rewriting history since 2109
4. Re:Oh thank god... by khallow · 2013-01-23 15:52 · Score: 1
  
  That's not three words either. "Strategic maple reserve"?
5. Re:Oh thank god... by jxander · 2013-01-23 16:19 · Score: 1
  
  Space Mounties, yo!
  
  --
  This signature is false.
6. Re:Oh thank god... by Ford+Prefect · 2013-01-23 16:29 · Score: 1
  
  Have they launched anything? What have they done? I ask this without intending any disrespect -- but if they've got some accomplishments under their belt then they need a better PR machine.
  Note to Canadians - try writing the word 'Canada' in even larger letters on vital components of NASA's manned space programme.
  
  --
  Tedious Bloggy Stuff - hooray?
7. Re:Oh thank god... by JustOK · 2013-01-23 17:07 · Score: 1
  
  You have to figure in the exchange rate.
  
  --
  rewriting history since 2109
8. Re:Oh thank god... by mooingyak · 2013-01-23 18:46 · Score: 1
  
  Have they launched anything? What have they done? I ask this without intending any disrespect -- but if they've got some accomplishments under their belt then they need a better PR machine.
  Note to Canadians - try writing the word 'Canada' in even larger letters on vital components of NASA's manned space programme.
  Starts with a 'C', ends with 'a', has the words 'Made In' next to it.... about the only time Canada gets mixed up with China.
  
  --
  William of Ockham had no beard. The most likely explanation is that it was chewed off by squirrels every morning.
9. Re:Oh thank god... by Rudisaurus · 2013-01-23 21:52 · Score: 1
  
  The commander of the ISS, currently in orbit and staring down at you as he does so, is Chris Hadfield -- fighter pilot, test pilot, engineer, CSA astronaut, guitar player ... and Canadian.
  
  --
  licet differant, aequabitur
10. Re:Oh thank god... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-24 01:23 · Score: 0
  
  I told those hosers they shoulda painted the outer thirds of the arm section red and put a stripe of three maple leafs around the center! But nobody listens to me eh?
11. Re:Oh thank god... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-24 01:23 · Score: 0
  
  Looks like he is also a Trekkie.
  Seriously. Check the exchange of tweets between Cmdr. Hadfield and... *the* William Shatner:
  "@Cmdr_Hadfield Are you tweeting from space?"
  "@WilliamShatner Yes, Standard Orbit, Captain. And we're detecting signs of life on the surface."
  UPDATE: William Shatner opens hailing frequency to Chris Hadfield aboard ISS - Your Community
  Priceless :-D
12. Re:Oh thank god... by rossdee · 2013-01-24 02:25 · Score: 1
  
  I first thought it was the Confederates too. If they had won, they would have the launching site at the Cape, and the North would be at a disadvantage.
  However JFK wouldn't have been shot so he might have continued the exploration of space.
13. Re:Oh thank god... by CohibaVancouver · 2013-01-24 02:40 · Score: 1
  
  Note to Canadians - try writing the word 'Canada' in even larger letters
  We wouldn't want to dimish the
  
  U
  S
  A
  
  + Stars and Stripes that was on the Saturn V.
14. Re:Oh thank god... by camperdave · 2013-01-24 07:13 · Score: 1
  
  I first thought it was the Confederates too. If they had won, they would have the launching site at the Cape, and the North would be at a disadvantage.
  However JFK wouldn't have been shot so he might have continued the exploration of space.
  Of course not. He would have been just another yankee journalist, and would never have made it into the Montgomery political scene.
  
  --
  When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
Taking it easy? by lkernan · 2013-01-23 14:27 · Score: 1

People complain the electric car takes 8 hours to charge. This thing takes a week to remove the fuel cap!
My kingdom, my kingdom for some mod points by SuperBanana · 2013-01-23 14:29 · Score: 4, Insightful

I get pretty ambivalent about moderating; I get mod points and half the time they expire or go unused. I'm sincerely pissed I have no mod points right now for you. And not just because some other jackhole moderator modded your +1 funny *down*. Whatever happened to metamoderation? I feel like I haven't seen links in a while for it.

--
Please help metamoderate.
1. Re:My kingdom, my kingdom for some mod points by hawkfish · 2013-01-24 05:09 · Score: 1
  
  You, sir, have a tin ear. The phrasing was so perfect, I nearly choked on my carbonated beverage.
  
  --
  You will not drink with us, but you would taste our steel? - Walter Matthau, The Pirates
I hope ... by PPH · 2013-01-23 15:17 · Score: 1

... they have worked the bugs out of refueling in space since they tried it in Armageddon.

--
Have gnu, will travel.
"Deedee, get out of my Canadian la-bor-a-to-ry" by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-23 15:45 · Score: 0

Quote from the CBC version of that Cartoon Network classic, Dextre's Laboratory.
Re:The next stair down on the steps to tragedy by khallow · 2013-01-23 15:55 · Score: 1

Indeed. It's quite clear how slightly less plush retirements will lead directly to disaster on the ISS.
This just proves... by Genda · 2013-01-23 19:31 · Score: 1

There will be no escaping Exxon-Mobil!!!
Science and Technology by shembekar · 2013-01-23 20:55 · Score: 0

This blog is much more interesting & helpful, I too have blog http://goo.gl/yYLUw.
Canadian Space Agency? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-24 03:43 · Score: 0

Take off, you hoser!
New Meaning for ISS by bradorsomething · 2013-01-24 06:50 · Score: 1

International Shell Station?