RRM3

Launch data: Designation  18101 Launch date  05 Dec 2018 - 18:16 UT Launch site  CC, SLC-40 Launch vehicle  Falcon-9 v1.2 Mission  Technology Deployment date   Earth orbit: Perigee / Apogee   km Inclination   ° Period   min

Spacecraft data: Prime manufacturer   Platform   Operator   Mass at launch   kg Dry Mass   kg Basic shape   Dimension (m)   Equipment   Solar array   Stabilization   Propulsion   DC power   Design lifetime

RRM3 Fluid Transfer Module and Tool Pedestal (top) before launch. Credit: NASA

Description:

• RRM3 is an ISS attached experiment to test refueling technologies in space.
• As an exterior payload on the International Space Station, the Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3) will demonstrate innovative methods to store and replenish cryogenic fluid in space. These fluids have chemical and physical properties that make them useful for spaceflight, but storing them istricky because they boil off over time. In addition to replenishing cryogenic fluid, RRM3 will store it for six months with zero boil off to demonstrate the efficient use of these important consumables. RRM3 builds on two previous robotic refueling technology demonstrations — RRM1 and RRM2.
  Not only could these technologies make refueling spacecraft in orbit possible, but the resulting capabilities could also be applied to exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.
• The washing machine-sized module contains tanks and transfer lines on the inside and a tool pedestal on the outside (top). Together, they will test the storage and transfer of liquid methane, a type of cryogenic fluid, in space for the first time. RRM3 will also help lay the foundation for transferring xenon, an efficient propellant used for solar electric propulsion.
• What is Cryogenic Fluid:
  Cryogenic fluid is an important consumable for spaceflight. As a propellant it produces high thrust, or acceleration, making it powerful enough to launch a rocket from Earth or another planet. Liquid oxygen, another cryogenic fluid, is used in astronaut life support systems.
  Cryogenic fluid is also useful for spacecraft operations. It can serve as a coolant to keepspacecraft operational. If cryogen supplies are replenished, the lifespan of spacecraftcould be extended by years

External links:

• NASA: Satellite Information
• NASA: Robotic Refueling Mission 3