Tag: In-Orbit Refueling
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Chinese Researchers Signal First In-Orbit Refuelling of a BeiDou Satellite
The claim surfaced in a paper submitted to the Journal of Deep Space Exploration by a team from the state-funded Deep Space Exploration Laboratory. Research papers cited in reporting suggest the operation occurred in February of last year. The researchers gave no details about how the manoeuvre was conducted. In the paper, the team said…
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Space Force Sets 2027 Flights for Two Commercial Satellite Servicing Demonstrations
The planned missions represent a transition in how the Department of Defense approaches space domain awareness, mobility, and logistics. Historically, military and intelligence satellites in geosynchronous Earth orbit were treated as single-use, non-serviceable assets, built with finite station-keeping propellant reserves that fixed their operational lifespans regardless of payload health. Under SSC’s Space Mobility and Logistics…
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Dawn Aerospace Raises $25 Million to Accelerate Spaceplane and In-Orbit Refueling Programs
Dawn Aerospace has secured $25 million in Series B funding at a post-money valuation of $195 million, providing fresh capital to accelerate development of its Aurora spaceplane and advance plans for in-orbit satellite refueling services. The New Zealand-Dutch space transportation company said the funding round was led by Balerion Space Ventures, with participation from investors…
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Spaceium Demonstrates High-Precision Robotic Actuator for Future In-Orbit Refueling
U.S. robotics startup Spaceium has demonstrated a high-precision actuator in orbit, a technology it says could enable future robotic refueling and servicing of satellites. The component flew aboard a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission launched in November and was tested in space rather than in laboratory conditions. According to the company, the device achieved rotational accuracy…