2
$\begingroup$

The new Wall Street Journal video China's Answer to the Aging International Space Station: The Tech Behind Tiangong | WSJ shows what looks like it might be a fuel transfer connection decoupling at 04:14. It's a little scary because after they disconnect the fittings appear to bump and grind a bit, rather than cleanly separate with linear motion.

Question: Which two spacecraft are being shown disconnecting here, and what was the connection for?

"bonus points" for any information on this particular event in the footage; was it sub-optimal? Was anything damaged?

screen shot from Wall Street Journal video *China's Answer to the Aging International Space Station: The Tech Behind Tiangong | WSJ screen shot from Wall Street Journal video *China's Answer to the Aging International Space Station: The Tech Behind Tiangong | WSJ

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
8
$\begingroup$

Looks like a demonstration program for robotic refueling that took place on ISS with Dextre in 2013. This was the Robotic Refueling Mission (RMM).

A nasa page with several videos is at https://nexis.gsfc.nasa.gov/rrm_refueling_task-blog.html

So it's not two separate spacecraft. It's Dextre and an experimental device on the ISS.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.