This SAE Metric Aerospace Recommended Practice (MAP) establishes the requirements for preparing a specification for fluid couplings for spacecraft servicing. The objective of this document is to provide design, development, verification, storage, and delivery requirement guidelines for the preparation of specifications for fluid couplings and the ancillary hardware for use with serviceable spacecraft designed for use in the space environment. The couplings shall be capable of resupplying storable propellants, cryogenic liquids, and gases to a variety of spacecrafts.

Product Classification:

The couplings shall be classified as follows:

a. Type I: Tanker half

b. Type II: Spacecraft half

The Type I coupling shall be attached to the supply tanker. This half shall contain the majority of the seals and mechanical/electrical complexity.

The Type II coupling shall be attached to the spacecraft. This half shall contain fewer seals and less mechanical/electrical complexity in order to maximize reliability.

Usage Classification:

The couplings shall be classified by usage such as robotic, automated, and manual.