In-Orbit Servicing Collaboration MoU Signed
Orbit Fab and D-Orbit UK to Advance Satellite Refueling Capabilities
A Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities in on-orbit satellite servicing and to foster connections between UK and European space industries has been signed between Orbit Fab and D-Orbit UK.
"By examining how our space vehicle and robotic capabilities might complement Orbit Fab's refueling technology, we hope to uncover innovative approaches in the space industry."
Stefano Antonetti, D-Orbit
The MoU outlines areas of potential collaboration aimed at promoting shared objectives for expanding orbital economy capabilities and focuses on different areas of cooperation. A first area explores the utilization of D-Orbit’s vehicle fleet to potentially expand Orbit Fab's orbital refueling architecture. This includes examining potential applications for future D-Orbit IOS platforms as a fuel depot in various orbits; investigating use cases for ION Satellite Carrier, D-Orbit’s orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) for last-mile delivery, hosted payloads, and in-space transportation; and considering D-Orbit's small satellite bus for possible future Orbit Fab missions.
A second area focuses on the potential integration of Orbit Fab refueling technologies in D-Orbit's product line and to extend satellite lifetimes. Key areas include: studying the potential integration of Orbit Fab's RAFTI (Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface) onto D-Orbit platforms; exploring concepts for refueling contracts for D-Orbit vehicles and customers; discussing possible financial and commercial products to facilitate refueling operations.
Lastly, part of the MoU is dedicated to developing strategic activities like joint promotional events, collaborative discussions with UK and European policymakers, knowledge sharing on developments and opportunities in the space sector, and joint proposals for UK and ESA institutions, leveraging the unique position of this collaboration.
"The MoU with Orbit Fab represents an interesting step in our exploration of in-orbit servicing possibilities and reflects the UK's growing role in the global space economy," said Stefano Antonetti, VP Business Development of D-Orbit. "By examining how our space vehicle and robotic capabilities might complement Orbit Fab's refueling technology, we hope to uncover innovative approaches in the space industry. Moreover, this collaboration could help us explore ways to maintain strong links between EU and UK space industries as the in-orbit servicing market develops."
As part of this MoU, D-Orbit UK and Orbit Fab will explore the possibility of a joint demonstration mission to showcase the potential of their complementary technologies. The results could inform future proposals to UK and ESA institutions.
“Our agreement ... with D-Orbit is an important next step to make a bustling in-orbit economy reality. A collaboration between Orbit Fab’s leading orbital refueling services and D-Orbit’s market-leading space logistics services will help both companies thrive," said Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab CEO and co-founder. “By signing this agreement with one of Europe’s leading space logistics companies we are doubling down on our plans for future European missions.”
In-orbit servicing is an emerging field in the space industry, with potential applications in satellite life extension and space sustainability. This MoU allows both D-Orbit UK and Orbit Fab to explore opportunities in this developing sector.