MATERIAL TRANSFER INTERFACES FOR SPACE VEHICLES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a coupling mechanism including a support structure, a latch-arm base movably connected to the support structure, and a latch arm pivotably connected to the latch-arm base. Another representative system includes a service valve portion, a coupling portion configured to receive the service valve portion, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the service valve portion to the coupling portion. The coupling mechanism can include latch arms positioned to pivot between a position in which the latch arms are pivoted outwardly and a position in which the latch arms are pivoted inwardly to capture the service valve portion. The latch arm can be carried by a latch-arm base that translates relative to a support structure of the coupling portion. Material transfer interfaces can include self-aligning ports having faces that engage each other with cup-and-cone structures.