Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods

A fluid transfer system for space vehicles, the fluid transfer system comprising:

• a first coupler configured to be carried by a first space vehicle, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of individual latch arms positionable to engage the first coupler with a second coupler;
• and
• a first valve device carried by the first coupler and configured to connect to a second valve device carried by the second coupler when the first coupler is engaged with the second coupler, to transfer fluid between the first valve device and the second valve device;
• wherein:
• each individual latch arm is coupled to a biasing element and rotatable between a closed position and an open position;
• each individual latch arm is translatable relative to the first valve device;
• and
• the first coupler comprises a single motor coupled to all the individual latch arms and configured to cause each individual latch arm to move between the closed position and the open position.

A fluid transfer system for space vehicles, the fluid transfer system comprising:

• a first coupler configured to be carried by a first space vehicle, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of individual latch arms positionable to engage the first coupler with a second coupler;
• and
• a first valve device carried by the first coupler and configured to connect to a second valve device carried by the second coupler when the first coupler is engaged with the second coupler, to transfer fluid between the first valve device and the second valve device;
• wherein:
• each individual latch arm is rotatable between a closed position and an open position;
• each individual latch arm is translatable relative to the first valve device to draw the second coupler toward the first coupler along an axis;
• the first coupler carries a positioning bracket;
• the positioning bracket carries the first valve device;
• and
• the positioning bracket has a greater degree of flexibility transverse to the axis than along the axis to account for misalignment between the first valve device and the second valve device.

A fluid transfer system for space vehicles, the fluid transfer system comprising:

• a first coupler configured to be carried by a first space vehicle, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of individual latch arms positionable to engage the first coupler with a second coupler;
• and
• a first valve device carried by the first coupler and configured to connect to a second valve device carried by the second coupler when the first coupler is engaged with the second coupler, to transfer fluid between the first valve device and the second valve device;
• wherein:
• each individual latch arm is rotatable between a closed position and an open position;
• each individual latch arm is translatable relative to the first valve device;
• the first valve device includes a moveable probe that is insertable into the second valve device when the individual latch arms are engaged with the second coupler, to transfer fluid between the first valve device and the second valve device;
• and
• the individual latch arms are configured to fail to a closed position.