Orbit Fab

Orbit Fab envisions a thriving in-space market for products and services that support both existing space businesses (communications and Earth observation) and new industries like space tourism, manufacturing, and mining.

In-Space TransportationPropellant Refuel StationRefueling Station

Created: 2018-11-01

Updated: 2022-09-18

Classification

In-Space Transportation

Category

Propellant Refuel Station

Fields

Refueling Station

Status

3) Development

First launch

2018

The first step is achieving ubiquitous availability of satellite propellant in Earth Orbit, expanding the operational potential of new and existing space assets and providing unprecedented business model flexibility for satellite owners. The future for satellites is no longer restricted to the fuel they are launched with. It is about getting the fuel and other materials they need, where and when they need it, to accomplish things never before thought possible.
Selected by U.S. Air Force to develop an in-space xenon pumping system, which is a key technology for servicing satellites and spacecraft on orbit.
Designed a system that consists of what are essentially in-space tugs that can guide spacecraft on-orbit to refueling depots, to which they connect with the company's custom fueling interface. It's designed to be relatively easy to incorporate into new satellite designs, providing a way to easily refuel in space without requiring any special robotic systems for capture and docking.
First operational fuel depot to orbit, Tanker 001 Tenzing, which will provide fuel for the fast growing in-orbit servicing industry, is expected to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 no earlier than in June 2021.

First operational fuel depot to orbit, Tanker 001 Tenzing, which will provide fuel for the fast growing in-orbit servicing industry, is expected to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 no earlier than in June 2021.
Orbit Fab Announces $12 million AFWERX STRATFI Program.
Orbit Fab, the Gas Stations in Space™ refueling service provider, and Astroscale U.S. Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc., have signed a commercial agreement to refuel Astroscale’s Life Extension In-Orbit (LEXI™) Servicer in GEO; LEXI is the first satellite designed to be refueled. Under the terms of this initial agreement, Orbit Fab’s GEO fuel shuttle will resupply Astroscale’s fleet of LEXI Servicers with up to 1,000 kilograms of Xenon propellant. With this purchase, Astroscale has greatly expanded LEXI’s scope and flexibility to perform on-orbit servicing missions — a benefit for every customer. Astroscale’s LEXI spacecraft is slated to launch to GEO by 2026, where it will perform life extension services for commercial operators, the U.S government and partner governments around the world. LEXI’s key services for customers include station keeping and attitude control, momentum management, inclination correction, GEO relocation and retirement to graveyard orbit.

[1] https://www.orbitfab.space/

[2] https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4995&context=smallsat