NASA Tests Robotic Gas Station Attendant for Outer Space

[Narrator] The goal of NASA's robotic refueling mission

is to show that a satellite can be serviced

and filled with propellant while still in orbit.

Satellites are not designed to be refueled,

and accessing sealed fuel tanks will require the most

precise maneuvers ever performed by a robot in space.

NASA is getting the job done with the help

of Dexter, a two-armed Canadian robot

on the international space station.

Controlled by a ground crew in Houston,

Dexter will manipulate a series of tools to remove caps

and open seals on a simulated fuel tank,

finally exposing the valve used to fill the tank.

Before transferring fuel, Dexter will install a special

fitting onto the valve that will allow him

to attach a nozzle for pumping fuel.

When Dexter finishes pumping,

he will leave the fitting in place.

On a real satellite, this would allow for future refueling

without having to remove any caps or seals.

A robot attendant could simply attach a nozzle

to the valve, fill the satellite's tank,

and send it on its way.

(upbeat music)