Long-life HTP depot refuelling interface

Abstract

Highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, known as high-test peroxide (HTP), is widely regarded as a greener and safer alternative to traditional hypergolic fuels. A recent development demonstrated the
potential to manufacture HTP in-orbit, bypassing prolonged storage challenges associated with the substance. This sparked interest in development of a space resident HTP manufacturing depot which could enable a next generation of satellites powered by greener propellants capable to routinely refuel.
One of the missing pieces is a refuelling interface that could be utilized in such a system. In this work, an initial set of conceptual requirements for the device are proposed together with a potential design based on existing solutions. The design is partially implemented and studied in simulations to verify the
major components are feasible to develop. Out of the components, the development of an all-aluminium construction quick-insert fluid coupler is found to be an important immediate target for future research.
While assumptions are made, this work eliminates an area of otherwise pure speculation within the depot concept by establishing a feasible set of capabilities of the interface as well as identifying specific targets for future developments.