On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Becoming a Reality
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qFWkMVPxrcJXddSdOmJgz?si=e24cf49d058a4965
A remarkable technological advancement is revolutionizing the way we maintain and extend the lifespan of satellites in Earth orbit. Welcome to the world of on-orbit satellite servicing, where cutting-edge technology and expertise converge to overcome the challenges of maintaining and upgrading satellites in space."
"The more one uses a satellite or a vehicle, the more the cost per delivery, whatever metric one wants to use, goes down."
Barry Matsumori, Impulse Space
According to the website Orbiting Now, there are 7,854 satellites currently in Earth Orbit. of those, 7,047 are classified as being in Low Earth Orbit … with another 211 in Medium Earth Orbit. Most of these satellites were designed for a single mission, and given the constraints of fuel and eventual technical obsolescence, have a limited lifespan. But A growing industry is emerging that would extend the useful lives of satellites, reducing costs and beginning the process of easing the congestion in low- and medium-Earth orbits.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the satellite servicing industry is expected to reach $5.1 billion by 2030; registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.5 percent during the forecast period. Aging satellite constellations and the need for satellite refueling are driving the growth of the on-orbit satellite servicing market. The Geostationary Orbit (GEO) segment is projected to lead the market during the forecast period. On-orbit servicing allows for repairs and maintenance to be performed on satellites in GEO, which can help address unexpected failures or problems. This can provide greater flexibility and resilience to the satellite operator’s network.
The process of updating or repairing a satellite begins when a malfunctioning or aging satellite requests assistance. A specialized servicing spacecraft, equipped with robotic arms, specialized tools, and payloads, is deployed. As the servicing spacecraft rendezvous with the target satellite, precise maneuvering and coordination are critical. The robotic arms extend and latch on to the spacecraft, enabling technicians on Earth to remotely manipulate the satellite and perform intricate repairs.
From replacing faulty components to repairing damaged solar panels and restoring communication systems, on-orbit satellite servicing offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution. It optimizes satellite lifespan, reducing space debris and maximizing operational potential.
First Steps Towards On-Orbit Satellite Servicing
On-orbit maintenance of a satellite has already been demonstrated by Space Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation. Their servicing spacecraft docked with an Intelsat satellite without disrupting service for any of the 18 million customers using that spacecraft's transponders. Robert Hague is the president of Space Logistics. He says that a smaller satellite servicing spacecraft is set for launch next year.
"It's called our mission robotic vehicle, which we're going to launch in 2024, and we're installing with what we're calling mission extension pods " Hague said. "These are about the size of a dishwasher, and they're only electric propulsion. So we're that same docking technique and install that on the spacecraft, and they'll get about six years of life extension out of that."
While a mission such as Space Logistics' essentially adds a new engine to a satellite to keep it in orbit, other companies are working on ways to refuel existing satellites … sort of an orbital gas station … that will extend the useful life of the spacecraft. In a study released last year, BIS Research estimated that the on-orbit refueling market is projected to reach nearly $1.1 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of nearly 104 percent.
While several companies are currently developing docking systems that would refuel existing satellites, it is likely that some standardization will have to take place to make on-orbit refueling commercially viable. In 2025, a hydrazine refueling mission demonstration in GEO is planned by Impulse Space and Orbit Fab. Impulse Space is a space logistics service company offering in-space transportation to custom orbits, in-space payload hosting and space asset repositioning services including deorbiting. For the GEO refueling mission, an Impulse Space Mira orbital service vehicle will serve as a hosting platform for the Orbit Fab fuel depot set to replenish Space Force satellites. During the GEO refueling demonstration, the US Space Force Tetra-5 spacecraft will refuel with up to 50kg of hydrazine, using the Orbit Fab fuel depot featuring its RAFTI (Rapidly Attachable Fuel Transfer Interface) refueling port. Impulse Space will provide hosting services such as power, communications, attitude control and propulsion for the fuel depot.
Barry Matsumori is the Chief Operating Officer for Impulse Space. He says the combination of deliverability and servicing allows space commerce to grow.
“And so servicing is part of it. The more one uses a satellite or a vehicle, the more the cost per delivery, whatever metric one wants to use, goes down," Matsumori said. "And hence, the viability of space commerce goes up, and the profitability goes up.
Why it Matters
The benefits of on-orbit satellite servicing extend far beyond individual satellites. Weather forecasting, communications, navigation, and scientific research all rely on a robust satellite infrastructure. By maintaining and improving these satellites, we secure the continuity and accuracy of these vital services.
On-orbit satellite servicing signifies a monumental advancement in space technology, pushing the boundaries of exploration and innovation.
While there is still a long way to go, the economic studies show it is clear that the industry is confident that on-orbit satellite servicing will become a reality, leading to longer service lives of spacecraft, and increasing the return on investment for the companies that build, launch and operate them.