Patent ID: 8448904

Claim:
A satellite servicing system comprising: a robotic system mounted on a servicer satellite for fuelling an unprepared or partially prepared client satellite which includes a first propellant tank, a first fill-drain valve and a valve actuation nut on the first fill-drain valve used to open and close the first fill-drain valve and a first access valve cap on the first fill-drain valve, and optionally includes a second propellant tank having a second fill-drain valve and a valve actuation nut to open and close the second fill-drain valve and a second access valve cap on the second fill-drain valve, and wherein said robotic system comprises: a robotic arm mounted on the servicer satellite; and a valve tool configured to be releasibly gripped by said robotic arm, said valve tool including a housing with a support frame, a wrench mechanism mounted on said support frame, said wrench mechanism configured for removing and replacing the first access valve cap on the first fill-drain valve and coupling a first propellant fill line to the first propellant tank optionally removing and replacing the second access valve cap on the second fill-drain valve on the second propellant tank and coupling a second propellant fill line to the second propellant tank, and actuating the valve actuation nut on the first fill-drain valve, and optionally actuating the valve actuation nut on the second fill-drain valve.