A selectably engaged rotary union includes a stator body, and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator body, the stator body surrounding a portion of the rotor and configured to transfer a fluidic medium between the stator body and the rotor. The selectably engaged rotary union further includes a plurality of sealing elements affixed to the stator body and disposed between the stator body and the rotor, a gap being present between the plurality of sealing elements and the rotor, where the plurality of sealing elements are configured to selectably close the gap so as to produce a temporary seal between the stator body and the rotor enabling a transfer of the fluidic medium.