Abstract: A first spacecraft comprises a drive mechanism. A second spacecraft comprises a valve for filling/draining the second spacecraft. The coupling assembly comprises a first connector comprising an actuating member configured to engage and open the valve and a coupling member configured to couple to the drive mechanism. A second connector comprises a stop portion and a bore for transferring fluid. Operation of the drive mechanism rotates the coupling member and the second connector together to screw the second connector onto the valve until the stop portion engages the valve, the actuating member being prevented from moving relative to the second connector to open the valve whilst the lock is in the locked state. Once the stop portion engages the valve, operation of the drive mechanism to exert a torque on the coupling member greater than a predetermined torque level moves the lock to an unlocked state wherein the actuating member is moveable relative to the second connector to engage and open the valve.

Abstract: A system for transferring a fluid from a first spacecraft to a second spacecraft. The first spacecraft includes a fluid transfer system comprising: a pressurant supply system, a first fluid tank to store a fluid to be transferred, one or more transfer feedlines to provide fluidic connection between the first fluid tank and the second spacecraft, a connector for connecting the first spacecraft to the second spacecraft, an accumulator tank comprising a first portion connected to the pressurant supply system, a second portion configured in fluidic communication with the one or more transfer feedlines, and a flexible separator to separate the first portion and the second portion. The pressurant supply system supplies pressurant gas to the first fluid tank for pressurising the first fluid tank and to supply pressurant gas to the first portion of the accumulator tank for pressurising the first portion of the accumulator tank.

Abstract: A system for transferring a fluid from a first spacecraft to a second spacecraft. The first spacecraft includes a fluid transfer system comprising: a pressurant supply system, a first fluid tank to store a fluid to be transferred, one or more transfer feedlines to provide fluidic connection between the first fluid tank and the second spacecraft, a connector for connecting the first spacecraft to the second spacecraft, an accumulator tank comprising a first portion connected to the pressurant supply system, a second portion configured in fluidic communication with the one or more transfer feedlines, and a flexible separator to separate the first portion and the second portion. The pressurant supply system supplies pressurant gas to the first fluid tank for pressurising the first fluid tank and to supply pressurant gas to the first portion of the accumulator tank for pressurising the first portion of the accumulator tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly for fluidly connecting first and second spacecraft. The first space-craft comprises a drive mechanism and the second spacecraft comprising a valve for filling and/or draining the second spacecraft. The coupling assembly comprises first and second connectors and a lock. The first connector comprises an actuating member configured to engage and open the valve and a coupling member configured to couple to the drive mechanism such that the drive mechanism is operable to exert a torque on the coupling member to rotate the coupling member. The second connector comprises a stop portion and a bore for transferring fluid, the second connector configured to screw on to the valve until the stop portion engages the valve.