The future of space infrastructure: orbital fuel stations for extended mission lifespan

Paper number

GLEX-2025,12,IP,1,x93937

Author

Mr. Sakthikumar Ramachandran, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Coauthor

Mr. HARIBALAJI R, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Coauthor

Ms. Lakshmi Seshadri Uppala, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Coauthor

Mr. Mohammad Khalifa, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Coauthor

Ms. Jeswanthi Tirupathi, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Coauthor

Mr. Ashish K S, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Coauthor

Mr. Mahantesh Shettar, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Coauthor

Mr. Nikhil Balasubramanian, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, India

Year

2025

Abstract

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\hspace*{-1.5em}The escalating demand for prolonged satellite missions and sustainable orbital operations necessitates the development of space-based fuel stations. Orbital fuel stations will form a key part in transforming the landscape of space operations. Analogous to terrestrial transportation, fuel station facilitates refueling in space, when its  located in strategic orbital positions will enhance the mobility of space assets and extend mission durations. Fuel stations in space facilitate refueling, which could potentially enhance the operational lifespan of satellites in orbit. This concept has garnered global interest as a viable solution for extending satellite life and improving return on investment (ROI). Government and private organizations have commissioned the orbital space stations including India through their Bharatiya Antariksh station (BAS) initiative. 

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\hspace*{-1.5em}OrbitAID Aerospace aims to establish specialized fuel depots that serve the purpose of in-orbit refueling. These stations support multiple propellent compatibility, enable power recharging, and accommodate diverse propulsion systems. This infrastructure enhances satellite operational lifespans, mitigates debris, and ensures mission sustainability. OrbitAID’s fuel space stations will open up efficient space logistics, revolutionizing the access and utilization of space resources. By providing a reliable and sustainable fueling infrastructure, this will also play a crucial role in enabling interplanetary missions and manned missions, by serving as a vital pit stop for spacecraft. This paper addresses the primary challenges in establishing and maintaining advanced fuel stations, including fuel compatibility, autonomous docking, environmental durability, and modular refueling systems. The SIDRP interface, developed by OrbitAID, enables secure, standardized docking and in orbit refueling across various satellite architectures and propulsion technologies.
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\hspace*{-1.5em}The proposed space station design integrates advanced features to ensure seamless operations, including integrated power systems for rechargeable satellites, scalable fuel depots accommodating existing and future missions, and modular refueling capabilities enhanced by advanced fuel storage solutions that address space's unique environmental challenges, such as temperature fluctuations, radiation, and microgravity effects. OrbitAID's strategic roadmap drives sustainable space logistics through autonomous robotics for precise docking and refueling, modular fuel cartridges tailored to specific propulsion needs, and eco-friendly, low-impact propellants.

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\hspace*{-1.5em}OrbitAID's infrastructure supports government and commercial missions across various orbital regimes, establishing a new standard for sustainable space operations. By prioritizing compatibility, safety, and sustainability, OrbitAID lays the groundwork for a robust orbital network, enabling scalable and responsible space resource management. Through SIDRP, OrbitAID catalyzes a transformative shift in satellite servicing, fostering a self-sustaining and collaborative space ecosystem.

Abstract document

GLEX-2025,12,IP,1,x93937.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

GLEX-2025,12,IP,1,x93937.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.