On-Orbit Docking and Refueling Capabilities Unveiled
On-Orbit Docking and Refueling Capabilities Unveiled
Dawn Aerospace Introduces Docking and Fluid Transfer (DFT) Ports
In order to facilitate satellite life extension through refueling on-orbit, Dawn Aerospace has introduced new Docking and Fluid Transfer (DFT) ports for SatDrive propulsion systems. The DFT port replaces standard manual fill/drain valves used for propellant loading on the ground with a passive interface that can facilitate refueling in space, adding only 0.6 kg. It includes provision for two pressurized propellants, nitrous oxide, and propene or ethane, as well as power and data connections. It will be provided as standard for all SatDrive customers with propulsion systems above 10 kNs from 2025 onwards.
“This allows customers to make the leap of faith, even though there are no established refueling services yet.”
Stefan Powell, Dawn Aerospace
The DFT takes advantage of Dawn’s existing flight-proven components such as valving common to the B20 thruster. Over 200 such valves are already in space.
Multiple SatDrive customers are in line to use the DFT port, the first of which is scheduled to launch in 2025. “With low mass, low risk, and zero cost, we believe it’s getting close to a ‘no brainer’ decision for any Dawn customer who sees value in refueling,” said CEO, Stefan Powell. “This allows customers to make the leap of faith, even though there are no established refueling services yet.”
Nitrous-based propulsion systems are well suited to in-space refueling for two key reasons;
No pumps are required for propellant transfer. Once a connection is established, propellant can be transferred by virtue of temperature differential alone. This is possible due to the self-pressurizing nature of the propellants.
No life-limiting catalysts. Nitrous thrusters, unlike hydrazine or hydrogen peroxide thrusters, are spark-ignited and thus theoretically capable of near-infinite restarts and propellant throughput. This allows systems to be refueled and reused nearly indefinitely.
Dawn produces nitrous-based satellite propulsion for over 20 customers worldwide. Being a leading provider of satellite propulsion, Dawn is uniquely suited to solve the “chicken and egg” problem of satellite refueling. “Dawn is currently producing about one satellite propulsion system per week. Not all will use the DFT, but if a significant fraction does, we foresee potentially hundreds of refuellable satellites on-orbit by the 2030s. That will go a long way to establishing a customer base for satellite refueling,” said Stefan Powell.
Dawn sees refueling as the next horizon for improving the useful life of satellites and enabling the next generation of use cases such as VLEO orbits and dynamic space operations which are essential for the defense of legacy space assets. “Dawn was the first to bring nitrous propulsion to the world. It’s now the fastest-growing hydrazine alternative. We are excited to now be the first to offer refuellable propulsion systems as standard.”
In addition to its refueling capabilities, Dawn’s docking port also serves as a critical contact point for LEO debris removal operations. This way, the DFT port contributes to the mitigation of space debris, addressing a significant challenge in maintaining the safety and sustainability of space environments, making this addition critical for constellations operating in Low Earth Orbit. As a signatory of ESA’s zero debris Charter, Dawn is committed to the sustainable development of space.