Space1 Rocket Refueling

Space1 Rocket Refueling takes place on the Earth and not in space. For the existing levels and duration of space flight, the massive reusable USS Pioneer rocket fuel tank is large enough to sustain the entire mission. There is also an added level of safety by fueling and refueling the tank on the static and stable Earth.

Space1 Rocket Launch Pad

Credit: NASA

Space1 is developing a new rocket launch pad. The pad includes all facilities to support a rocket launch, including fueling, pressur-ization, vertical support, and the valves supporting lift off. 

The system design now has a pressur-ization equalization safety valve feature to keep pressure inside the rocket at a safe level. When the rocket pressure exceeds a critical level, the valve opens and the pressure is equalized.

The launch pad now has an automatic fueling sequential piping system that facilitates pressurized fueling. A pressurized fueling is much faster than the old manual method and is more accurate to deliver the specific amount of gauged pressure.

Also added is rapid pressurization control to the nearest PSI for the greatest accuracy. Rocket pumps can deliver the required pressurization accuracy. Mains pressurization relief valve ensures the depressurization of the rocket as needed. Portable fuel tanks are being added to the system, allowing safe transport of fuel and storage of fuel at on site locations.

The rocket pad has a fuel dumping feature, that allows the dumping of fuel when launch missions are complete. The overall design makes the entire launch pad portable. The safety catchment and release system is also a new feature which allows remote launching automatically.