Astroscale's groundbreaking orbital refueling mission, funded by the Department of Defense, will revolutionize space operations. In 2026, a 660-pound spacecraft will refuel two Space Force satellites at a geostationary orbit altitude of 22,500 miles, demonstrating on-orbit satellite refueling for the first time. This innovative approach, using hydrazine propellant, extends mission lifespans and eliminates the need for costly return trips to replenish fuel, creating a truly full-service space gas station. The mission will test a crucial technology for extending the operational life of vital space assets
Astroscale's 2026 On-Orbit Satellite Refueling Mission: A DoD-Funded First
Astroscale U.S. will conduct a groundbreaking on-orbit satellite refueling mission in summer 2026. This Department of Defense-funded project will utilize Astroscale's 660-pound spacecraft to refuel two Space Force satellites with hydrazine propellant. The spacecraft will refuel one satellite, then replenish its own fuel supply at a depot before refueling a second asset. This innovative approach, a first for Space Force assets, extends mission lifespans and eliminates the need for propellant retrieval missions, fundamentally changing space operations. The specific satellites involved remain undisclosed
Space Force Orbital Refueling: A Revolutionary First. Witness history as Astroscale U.S. conducts the first-ever on-orbit refueling of Space Force spacecraft in 2026. This groundbreaking mission extends mission lifespans, eliminating the need for fuel-retrieval missions and establishing a novel in-space refueling infrastructure – a full-service gas station in orbit. This Department of Defense-funded project significantly advances space operations
On-orbit satellite refueling: Astroscale's revolutionary mission will fundamentally change space operations. In 2026, a 660-pound spacecraft will refuel two Space Force satellites in geostationary orbit, extending mission lifespans and eliminating the need for propellant retrieval. This groundbreaking Department of Defense-funded project marks the first on-orbit refueling of Space Force assets, creating a new era of space sustainability and operational flexibility
Astroscale's innovative spacecraft will conduct on-orbit refueling of two Space Force satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) – a unique region 22,500 miles above Earth where satellites maintain a fixed position. This groundbreaking mission, scheduled for Summer 2026, will see the 660-pound refueling craft transfer hydrazine propellant to Tetra-5, its first target. Following a post-refueling inspection, the craft will autonomously dock with a propellant depot, refuel, and then proceed to its second target, revolutionizing satellite longevity and mission capabilities. This orbital refueling represents a significant advancement in space logistics, creating a practical "gas station" in space
This groundbreaking Department of Defense-funded mission, slated for Summer 2026, will demonstrate on-orbit satellite refueling. Astroscale U.S.'s innovative spacecraft will refuel two Space Force assets, proving the viability of in-space propellant transfer from a dedicated fuel depot to extend mission life and revolutionize space operations. The process involves refueling a satellite, replenishing fuel from a depot, and then refueling a second asset, showcasing a complete, closed-loop orbital refueling system
On-orbit satellite refueling: Astroscale's innovative solution extends space missions. This groundbreaking Department of Defense-funded mission, slated for summer 2026, will see Astroscale's spacecraft refuel two Space Force satellites in geostationary orbit using hydrazine propellant. While more complex than refueling a car, the process is efficient, taking only hours to complete, fundamentally changing space operations and eliminating the need for mission-interrupting fuel retrieval. This orbital refueling depot enables extended satellite lifespans and continuous mission capabilities
Spacecraft rely on solar panels for power, but these can't provide the propellant needed for maneuvering, collision avoidance, and maintaining orbit. Orbital refueling is crucial for extending mission lifespans and avoiding atmospheric decay. This innovative technology allows satellites to remain operational longer, eliminating the need for costly and complex return trips for fuel replenishment
Spacecraft refueling: extending missions beyond limitations. Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope, with its 20-year lifespan limited by finite fuel, on-orbit refueling enables extended space missions. This revolutionary technology, demonstrated by Astroscale's 2026 Department of Defense mission, will refuel Space Force satellites, significantly impacting future space operations and eliminating mission-critical fuel retrieval needs
Space fuel revolution: On-orbit refueling changes the game. Astroscale's innovative approach enables extended space missions, eliminating the need for costly return trips for propellant. This groundbreaking technology, funded by the Department of Defense, will refuel Space Force satellites in geostationary orbit, marking a pivotal shift in space operations
Astroscale's Space Debris Removal Expertise: Leading the Way in Orbital Servicing
Astroscale boasts extensive experience in orbital maneuvers, having already performed close-proximity operations and reconnaissance on a large rocket stage (Active Debris Removal mission). Building on this success, the company will utilize a robotic arm in 2028 to deorbit a 36-foot-long spent rocket stage, demonstrating its advanced capabilities in space debris removal and sustainable space operations
Orbital refueling: Astroscale's 2026 mission will demonstrate the feasibility of a space-based fuel depot, revolutionizing the cost and operational efficiency of satellites for national security, communications, and scientific research
On-orbit refueling: a game changer for space missions. Astroscale's innovative technology will revolutionize how we operate in space, extending mission lifespans and eliminating the need for costly propellant resupply missions. This Department of Defense-funded project will see a spacecraft refuel two Space Force satellites in geostationary orbit, demonstrating the viability of orbital refueling for extended space operations. As Astroscale's program manager states, "If you run out of fuel, you run out of life," highlighting the critical role of this technology in ensuring mission success and longevity
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