The US Space Force ordered Astroscale U.S. creation of a refueling station in Earth orbit.
The development of a space service station, which is intended for refueling satellites in orbit, has begun. In this way, the life of satellites can be extended, rather than decommissioned, writes New Atlas.
Currently, there are 9707 satellites orbiting the Earth. When they run out of fuel, they can no longer be used and become space junk. And this despite the fact that, in general, satellites can remain in a fully operational state.
The U.S. Space Force has awarded $25.5 million to Astroscale U.S. to develop an in-orbit refueling system for satellites that will extend the life of the spacecraft. Company Astroscale U.S. turned to the Southwest Research Institute, USA, to develop the main apparatus of the refueling system in space, named APS-R.
For a little more than a year, the development and construction of a space vehicle for delivering fuel to satellites will continue, which will have a mass of 198 kg and a size of 61 x 71 x 114 cm. It is expected that the space station will start its work in orbit in 2026.
The essence of the project is that systems will be launched into geostationary orbit, which will consist of a fuel tank known as hydrazine, as well as an apparatus for its delivery. The latter will have to take fuel from the warehouse and deliver it to satellites that have run out of it.
According to representatives of Astroscale U.S., the appearance of refueling in the air made it possible to increase the range and duration of aircraft flights on Earth. Now, a similar technological revolution will soon take place in space.
The company believes that such servicing of satellites in orbit will eventually expand their range and mobility. And this is an important step forward to ensure longer operation of orbital vehicles.
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