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Aetheris Orbis - Erebus Beta

Erebus Beta – Unmanned Cryogenic Fuel Delivery (T+2 mo)
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Launch Date: 01 Nov 2045 Dock Date: 02 Nov 2045 Return Date: 30 Nov 2045 (after full transfer)

Mission Purpose - Supply the bulk cryogenic propellant (methane/oxygen) required for the first operational refueling of the ISS long‑duration tanks.

Primary Objectives

  • Deliver ~2 400 kg of liquid methane/oxygen at 150 K in insulated cryogenic tanks.
  • Execute a staged transfer: small batch test followed by full scale transfer, validating thermal shielding, pressure regulation, and boil off control.

Key Milestones

  • Launch (01 Nov 2045): Falcon Heavy launch delivering cryogenic payload.
  • Dock (02 Nov 2045): Automated docking; cryo tanks positioned adjacent to the RRS.
  • Transfer Test #1 (02 Nov – 15 Nov 2045): Pump ~200 kg (small batch) to verify system performance; monitor temperature gradients and boil off rates.
  • Full‑Scale Transfer (16 Nov – 30 Nov 2045): Pump ~2 000 kg to fill ISS tanks; continuous telemetry, contingency abort rehearsals, and post transfer thermal equilibrium checks.
  • Vehicle Disposal (30 Nov 2045): Empty cryo tanks jettisoned and de‑orbited per debris mitigation standards.

Rationale & Impact Beta completes the end‑to‑end refueling loop, demonstrating that large quantities of cryogenic propellant can be moved safely and efficiently in orbit. The success of this mission validates the entire Erebus architecture and provides the operational data needed for future lunar orbital and interplanetary depot concepts.

Erebus Program