ESA Awards $130.5 Million Contract to D-Orbit
Will Facilitate Entry into the In-Orbit Servicing Market in GEO
ESA has awarded a contract valued at just over $130.5 million to D-Orbit at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan. The contract is authorized under ESA's Space Safety program.
"This contract with ESA truly represents a defining moment in D-Orbit's journey and in the evolution of space logistics.”
Stefano Antonetti, D-Orbit
The contract establishes a commercial-grade in-orbit servicing infrastructure in Europe. As part of the initiative, D-Orbit is developing, launching and demonstrating the capabilities of a vehicle designed to rendezvous with, dock with, and take over the attitude and orbit control functions of another spacecraft for purposes including life extension, relocation, repair, disposal, and more.
A key aspect of this contract is the development of GEA, an innovative satellite platform designed to demonstrate in-orbit servicing capabilities in geostationary orbit (GEO). This project is supported by the Italian government through the Italian Space Agency (ASI), which recognizes the strategic potential of in-orbit servicing for the Italian space industry. This effort, along with Italy’s commitment to leading space industry innovation, has been strengthened by the critical contributions of several other space agencies, and governments, including the UK Space Agency (UKSA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Swiss Space Office (SSO), and the Agencia Espacial Española (AEE).
"Our collaboration with ESA and the support from the Italian government and the Italian Space Agency, along with our European partners, positions us at the forefront of pioneering in-orbit servicing," said Luca Rossettini, CEO of D-Orbit. "We are eager to embark on this ambitious project, of which the first mission, called RISE, will mark a new, extraordinary milestone for D-Orbit: the beginning of regular commercial services in geostationary orbit. We are confident in its potential to redefine possibilities within the space industry.”
"This contract with ESA truly represents a defining moment in D-Orbit's journey and in the evolution of space logistics,” said Stefano Antonetti, VP Business Development of D-Orbit.
This collaborative project brings together key players from across Europe with diverse expertise and resources, underscoring D-Orbit's commitment to advancing space logistics and in-orbit servicing, which is set to play a crucial role in the Company's growth strategy.