Abstract: A method of loading propellant into a spacecraft that comprises storing and transferring propellant in a portable propellant loading tank, temperature conditioning and helium saturating the propellant in the propellant loading tank, transferring the loading tank to a launch site, coupling the loading tank to the propellant storage tank, and pressurizing the portable propellant loading tank to transfer the propellant to the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft. The method may further comprise weighing the propellant loading tank during propellant transfer, venting the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft to a receiver tank, and weighing the receiver tank during propellant transfer. The amount of propellant transferred to the propellant storage tank is equal to the difference between the measured weights of the respective loading and storage tanks.

Abstract: A system, a portable propellant loading tank and loading method for bipropellant spacecraft servicing to load propellant into a spacecraft. The spacecraft has a propellant storage tank with a propellant input and a vent output. The system comprises a portable propellant loading tank for storing and transferring propellant that is couplable to the propellant input of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft. The propellant loading tank is a stainless steel tank that is electropolished on its interior surface. A portable weighing system having a plurality of load cells provides output signals indicative of the weight of the propellant loading tank. A load cell readout device is coupled to the portable weighing system for providing an output indicative of the weight of the propellant storage tank. A receiver tank is coupled to the vent output of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft.

Abstract: A system, a portable propellant loading tank and loading method for bipropellant spacecraft servicing to load propellant into a spacecraft. The spacecraft has a propellant storage tank with a propellant input and a vent output. The system comprises a portable propellant loading tank for storing and transferring propellant that is couplable to the propellant input of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft. The propellant loading tank is a stainless steel tank that is electropolished on its interior surface. A portable weighing system having a plurality of load cells provides output signals indicative of the weight of the propellant loading tank. A load cell readout device is coupled to the portable weighing system for providing an output indicative of the weight of the propellant storage tank. A receiver tank is coupled to the vent output of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft.