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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Demonstration of large-scale on-orbit cryogenic fluid transfer (more than 3 metric tons of liquid oxygen between tanks on a Starship in orbit) and cryogenic fluid management to provide a basis for operational use of in-space refueling technology, a key enabler for reusable, sustainable space transportation and the broader commercialization of space.
On-Orbit cryogenic propellant transfer has direct applicability to SpaceX Starship and extended applicability to architectures needed for future civil space, national security, and commercial missions. The effort addresses key risk areas identified in prior work, such as thermal and fluid dynamics associated with tank pressure control during both quiescent storage and transfer operations; autogenous pressurization of subcooled cryogenic propellants; propellant settling and differential pressure-based transfer operations; receiving tank and transfer line chill-down; and high-fill fraction receiving tank operation.
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