Towards a Refuelling Service for Telecommunications Spacecraft Through an Orbital Development Plan
- Paper number
IAC-25,D2,6,4,x102690
- Author
Mr. Sebastian Hill, Orbit Fab Ltd, United Kingdom
- Year
2025
- Abstract
Orbit Fab is pioneering the development of a first-to-market refuelling solution specifically targeting telecommunications spacecraft operators, addressing a critical need in extending the operational lifespan of these high-value assets. This paper outlines the company's accelerated orbital development strategy which prioritizes early in-orbit validation of key technologies and operations by 2027 to support accelerated customer adoption of Orbit Fab’s open licence refuelling interface solutions. The development plan includes a phased approach to demonstrating critical components of the refuelling architecture, with particular focus on validating the Rapidly Attachable Fuel Transfer Interface (RAFTI) and the Grappling and Resupply Active Solution for Propellants (GRASP) in the context of a real inter-spacecraft fuel transfer and close-proximity operations. This strategic de-risking approach will directly enable a subsequent full in-orbit demonstration (IOD) with an actual telecommunications customer that has RAFTI integrated. The proposed refuelling service mode demonstrates significant economic advantages compared to traditional satellite replacement strategies while supporting broader space sustainability objectives. By establishing and demonstrating this refuelling capability, Orbit Fab aims to transform the telecommunications space sector from a single-use paradigm to one characterized by extended mission lifespans and enhanced operational flexibility. The paper examines both the technical architecture required for such a service and the overall orbital development plan required to derisk operations for the service spacecraft and telecommunications customers, outlining a comprehensive plan to bring commercially available recurrent servicesonline by 2030, following the initial customer serving IOD.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)