Artemis program: SpaceX soon ready for large-scale orbital refueling demonstration?

Although the Artemis III mission has been postponed until 2026, research continues at SpaceX. Next year, Elon Musk’s space company should be able to connect two ships in orbit as part of a refueling demonstration, reports the specialist media Ars Technica, in an article published on April 30, 2024 This test is part of the Artemis program launched by NASA to send astronauts to the Moon.

SpaceX was selected by NASA to develop the Starship HLS landing system (for “Human Landing System”) intended to land the astronauts of the Artemis III and Artemis IV missions on the Moon, details NASA in an article published on March 14, 2024.

To be able to reuse Starship for several missions, the designers designed the lander to be able to refuel in space. A real challenge for the American company founded by Elon Musk.

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A technological feat

“Storage and transfer of cryogenic propellants to orbit has never been attempted on this scale before”said Jeremy Kenny, project manager of NASA’s cryogenic fluid management portfolio at Marshall, the space agency reports.

“But this is a revolutionary technology that must be developed and matured for scientific and exploration missions to the Moon, Marchand for those who venture even deeper into our solar system.”

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In a meeting with a NASA Advisory Board committee, Friday, April 26, 2024, Amit Kshatriya, program manager “Moon to Mars“ within NASA’s exploration division, said he was optimistic, details Ars Technica.

The Starship’s third test flight in March was an opportunity for SpaceX to transfer cryogenic propellant between two tanks inside the vehicle. According to Amit Kshatriya, although engineers are still analyzing the results of the demonstration, the latter “was a success in every way”.

A long way to go

Over the next two years, tests must continue to allow engineers to measure the movement of the propellants inside the craft, as well as the pressure of the tanks. They will also be able to observe how fluids react to impulses from small thrusters, or even calculate the evaporation rates of methane and liquid oxygen in space.

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“It all has to work properly.”said Amit Kshatriya. “We’re still in development, but at a high pace. I think it’s important for people to know that this sequence is underway and that they’re making good progress in engineering.”

If SpaceX manages to meet its schedule, the first large-scale refueling demonstration should therefore take place in 2025.