RAFTI - Coupling Half (Low Pressure)

RAPIDLY ATTACHABLE FLUID TRANSFER INTERFACE (RAFTI)
Fill and Drain – The Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) provides cost effective, reliable satellite fill and drain functions during ground operations. The service valve side is low profile, comparable to existing solutions. The rugged latching mechanism and triple seal design ensures a safe propellant transfer. RAFTI is designed for ease of use while exceeding industry range safety requirements. Redundant data logging allows for remote monitoring.

On Orbit Refueling – RAFTI is designed to allow reliable propellant transfers in the harshest space environments, making it ideal for mission operations at any orbit. High and low pressure variants are compatible with common modern propellants and pressurants with external leakages less than 1x10-6 scc/s. RAFTI is configurable to be normally-open or normally-closed in case of power loss, allowing for fail-safe and safe-fail operations for any mission profile.

Docking – RAFTI supports both primary docking or secondary attachment of two spacecraft. The double action latch mechanism accommodates significant misalignment on all axes during the docking process, allowing for self-aligning operations without the need for complex robotic arms. High clamping force accommodates high pressure fluid connections and satellite body movements. Improved reliability by minimizing sliding surfaces and avoiding motors or gears.