Space-fueling stations in orbit: A solution to space debris and satellite longevity
Space organizations and commercial entities are contemplating the concept of "gas stations in space," which could pose a threat to the International Space Station (ISS) and other satellites. The European Space Agency estimates that over 640 instances of debris have occurred due to fractures, explosions, collisions, or unusual events[1].
As a result, an atmosphere of space debris has formed around Earth, consisting of 36,500 objects larger than 10 centimeters (3.94 inches) and up to 130 million fragments smaller than 1 centimeter (0.39 inches). Removing this debris is expensive and complex, with multiple plans underway, but no tangible results yet[1].
A potential solution to addressing this issue is to halt further debris production and refuel satellites instead of retiring them when their power sources deplete. In this context, Orbit Fab, a Colorado-based company, aims to make satellite refueling a reality[1].
Daniel Faber, CEO of Orbit Fab, mentioned that presently, satellites cannot be refueled once in orbit. However, his company aspires to change that. Faber explained that if satellites run out of fuel and maintain incorrect positions in orbit, they become hazardous debris, traveling at high speeds and posing collision risks[1].
Moreover, the dearth of fuel can force difficult design decisions when planning space missions, such as minimizing the use of attitude controllers to conserve power and maintain minimal maneuverability. Orbit Fab intends to address this predicament by enabling satellite refueling, which could extend operational lifetimes and enhance mission flexibility[1].
Orbital refueling was initiated by NASA in 2007 with the Orbital Express mission. The mission aimed to pioneer successful satellite docking and refueling capacities. Since then, NASA has proceeded with the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) to explore the challenges of refueling existing satellites[2].
Currently, NASA is developing OSAM-1, a scheduled 2026 launch that aims to capture and replenish depleted tanking erdbeobachtungssatelliten Landsat-7's fuel[2]. However, Orbit Fab is not focused on addressing problems with its existing satellite constellation. Instead, it intends to focus on newly emerging satellites and equip them with a standardized connection called RAFTI (Quick-Connect Fluid Transfer Interface), which would significantly simplify and lower the costs of refueling operations[2].
"We are considering creating a cost-effective architecture," Faber said. Currently, there are no commercially available fuel depots that can refuel satellites in orbit. Despite expansive hopes for a thriving space economy, the reality is that refueling remains indispensable – we are a refueling company[2].
Orbit Fab's slogan is "Weltraumbetankungsstation," and it develops a system encompassing refueling depots, transport shuttles, and tankers or circumorbital tankers for refueling purposes. The projected cost for transporting hydrogen, the most commonly used satellite propellant, to orbit is estimated at $20 million[2].
In 2018, Orbit Fab sent two test facilities to the International Space Station for equipment testing, as well as to investigate connections, pumps, and pipes[2]. In 2021, Orbit Fab introduced Tanker-001 Tenzing, a demonstrator tanker showcasing the existing hardware's design[2].
Orbit Fab's next launch is scheduled for 2024, with plans to operate under the Air Force Research Laboratory in geostationary orbital refueling missions[2]. Japan-based Astroscale will be Orbit Fab's first private customer, designing and building the first satellite prepared for refueling, named LEXI. It is planned to install a RAFTI-Port, with a launch date in 2026[2].
Simone D'Amico, an astronautics professor at Stanford University, argued that in-orbit maintenance and refueling are essential for ensuring space safety and sustainability. Without considering terrestrial transportation infrastructure such as roads, cities, and auto service stations, you cannot imagine an existence without filling stations and repair shops for automobiles or aircraft[3].
D'Amico further discussed the factors that delayed this development, including the lack of apparent demand due to limited satellite numbers and the emerging feasibility of maintaining infrastructure in orbit due to the development of smaller satellites[3]. D'Amico sees Orbit Fab as innovative, particularly due to its marketing strategy.
"It's probably the only company in the world setting up 'gas stations' in space," D'Amico said. "I think Orbit Fab's approach is highly innovative and could potentially pay off in the medium to long term. However, it's risky in the short term, as satellites need to be designed for reusability and refueling to be effective."
Orbit Fab initially plans to find markets as suppliers of fuel for companies like Astroscale that aim to inspect, repair, or upgrade satellites, or collect space debris. Faber noted that a successful track record in this sector could persuade large telecommunications companies to evolve their business models and prioritize fueling and maintenance[3].
Faber added that the next step would be to begin the production of fuel in orbit once the transportation and delivery logistics have been set. "In 10 or 15 years, we want to have refineries in space to convert launched materials into a range of chemicals that people will buy: air and water for commercial orbital stations, chemical feedstocks for 3D printers, and plant nutrients," Faber said[3].
References
[1] Anonymous. (2023, March 14). Space-fueling stations in orbit: A solution to space debris and satellite longevity. Space Innovation, Page 1.
[2] Anonymous. (2023, March 14). Space-fueling stations in orbit: A solution to space debris and satellite longevity. Space Innovation, Page 2.
[3] Anonymous. (2023, March 14). Space-fueling stations in orbit: A solution to space debris and satellite longevity. Space Innovation, Page 3.
[4] Anonymous. (2023, March 14). Space-fueling stations in orbit: A solution to space debris and satellite longevity. Space Innovation, Enrichment, Page 1.
[5] Anonymous. (2023, March 14). Space-fueling stations in orbit: A solution to space debris and satellite longevity. Space Innovation, Enrichment, Page 2.
[6] Anonymous. (2023, March 14). Space-fueling stations in orbit: A solution to space debris and satellite longevity. Space Innovation, Enrichment, Page 3.
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