Next up is the Utility Vehicle (UV) or space tug.
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| Image 1: The standard Utility Vehicle |
There are three systems that need to be tested:
- Reaction Control System
- Airlock
- Docking
Since each fully loaded UV has a mass of 5,217 kg, four UVs can be loaded into an RV:
Mass To Orbit = 4(UV Mass)
Mass To Orbit = 4(5217)
Mass To Orbit = 20,868 kg
RCS TEST
All four UVs will deploy and use their RCS to test their maneuverability. We will monitor propellant use rate, leaks, temperatures, mechanical issues, etc.
AIRLOCK TEST
During the RCS tests, the airlocks will cycle to test their ability to hold and release one atmosphere of air pressure. We will monitor the airlock for leaks, mechanical issues, etc.
DOCKING TEST
Two of the UVs will have their airlocks rotated 45 degrees so that two UVs can dock together without interfering with each other's RCS (Image 2).
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| Image 2: UV Hookups |
Once all of these tests are complete, the UV may be classified as operational.
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