Abstract: To facilitate on-orbit servicing, such as for a refueling operation, techniques are presented for a servicing satellite to cut through the multi-layer insulation blanket of a client satellite to provide access to the client satellite without releasing unacceptable quantities of foreign object debris from the multi-layer insulation. The serving satellite includes a sealing tool, such as a pair of heater rollers, that apply pressure and heat to the insulating blanket to melt the inner layers and seal the outer layers together. The servicing satellite can then use a cutting tool to cut the sealed region and access the client satellite.

Abstract: To facilitate on-orbit servicing, such as for a refueling operation, techniques are presented for a servicing satellite to cut through the multi-layer insulation blanket of a client satellite to provide access to the client satellite without releasing unacceptable quantities of foreign object debris from the multi-layer insulation. The serving satellite includes a sealing tool, such as a pair of heater rollers, that apply pressure and heat to the insulating blanket to melt the inner layers and seal the outer layers together. The servicing satellite can then use a cutting tool to cut the sealed region and access the client satellite.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a carbon nanotube (CNT) conductor, a terminal terminated to the CNT conductor, and a conductive intermediary electrically coupled to the CNT conductor and the terminal to enhance an electrical connection between the CNT conductor and the terminal. Optionally, the terminal may have a crimp barrel that receives the CNT conductor. The electrical connector may include a second CNT conductor where the terminal splices the CNT conductor and the second CNT conductor together.

Abstract: A three-dimensional article having spray-applied ink and a spray application process for three-dimensional articles are disclosed. The article includes a substrate and conductive ink spray-applied to a non-planar region of the substrate. The conductive ink on the non-planar region is at least a portion of a power trace, an antenna, a resistive heater, a conductive lead, a sensor, a functional electrical device, or a combination thereof. The process includes spray-applying conductive ink, ablating the conductive ink, photo-sintering the conductive ink, or a combination thereof.