Propellant transfer system and method for resupply of fluid propellant to on-orbit spacecraft

A method of refueling a client satellite, comprising:

• a) maneuvering a servicer spacecraft into close proximity to a client satellite in a position and orientation suitable to releasibly couple the client satellite to the servicer spacecraft, releasibly coupling the client satellite to the servicer spacecraft;
• b) deploying, and commanding, a robotic arm mounted on the servicer spacecraft to releasibly grasp a multifunction tool, commanding the robotic arm to manipulate the multifunction tool to access a fill/drain valve on the client satellite in flow communication with a storage tank on the client satellite;
• c) commanding the robotic arm to sequester the multifunction tool and releasibly grasp a refueling tool, commanding the robotic arm to manipulate the refueling tool to releasibly grasp a propellant outlet hose connected to a propellant transfer system and connect the propellant outlet hose to the fill/drain valve;
• e) opening the fill/drain valve and measuring a pressure in the client satellite storage tank and, based on the measured pressure, configuring a flow control system mounted on the servicer spacecraft to transfer propellant under regulated pressure and flow rate conditions suitable for the measured pressure;
• f) commanding the configured flow control system of the propellant transfer system to transfer propellant from a propellant storage tank on the servicer spacecraft through a piping system to the propellant hose to the storage tank on the client satellite;
• g) once a desired quantity of propellant has been transferred to the client satellite, commanding the robotic arm to manipulate the refueling tool to close the fill/drain valve;
• h) disconnecting the propellant hose from the fill/drain valve and sequester the propellant hose;
• and
• i) sequestering the robotic arm and decoupling the servicer spacecraft from the client satellite.