ClearSpace has just won a contract with the UK Space Agency to study the feasibility of an in-orbit satellite refueling mission, an exciting new market for in-orbit services. Earlier in January, the Swiss startup teamed up with industry leader Orbit Fab to create an In-Space Refueling Service.
The REFUEL.ME study, which will run until September 2024, will involve the establishment of the key mission requirements and the definition of the mission concept of operations, leading to an initial design of the servicer satellite and a review of the sizeable market potential. Ultimately, the selected servicer will first refuel the UK National Debris Removal Mission, for which ClearSpace is also developing a concept, before continuing to refuel other commercial satellites. Enabling satellite lifetimes to be extended in this manner, ensures such valuable assets can be retained for longer, reducing the frequency of replacement, and aiding the reduction of further space debris generated by defunct satellites.
ClearSpace continues to thrive as an industry leader in in-orbit services. Their rapidly growing UK subsidiary is currently fully engaged in developing the CLEAR Spacecraft for the UK National Debris Removal mission, bringing significant experience and expertise in this area. The opportunity to utilize existing developments, particular key technologies synonymous across different in-orbit services, maximizes value by leveraging the UK’s previous investment into active debris removal, in-orbit services, and refueling interfaces.
With a goal to deliver future commercial refueling services, ClearSpace is teaming up with key industry partners to form a UK-based consortium with specialized expertise. OrbitFab brings their pioneering expertise in refueling systems, Satellite Applications Catapult has extensive experience in validating complex Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in their dedicated testing facility and Know.space is an industry leader in commercial and economic analysis.
Rory Holmes, ClearSpace UK Managing Director said: “ClearSpace is committed to making humanity’s space operations sustainable. The funding received from the UK Space Agency to establish our national refueling capabilities, to extend the lives of satellites in-orbit, represents a joint ambition for the UK to be at the forefront of the emerging in-orbit servicing market.”
The UK Space Agency has invested £2 million for UK industry to research and develop refueling missions through a set of feasibility studies. The funding will allow industry experts to develop new technologies to refuel satellites in space, leading to extended mission lifetimes, reduced waste and debris and more economical use of vital orbital assets. This investment is another significant step towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for space exploration.
(Press release - ES)
Please login or sign up to comment.
Commenting guidelines