US Space Force Seeks Orbital Refueling Stations

The US Space Force has selected Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) as the preferred option to establish the standard for refueling satellites in orbit, thus prolonging their mission duration under the Space Systems Command (SSC).

Satellites are expensive to construct and launch into space, prompting engineers to maximize their longevity. Yet, the requirement for propellant remains a formidable constraint that is difficult to overcome.

The majority of satellites are active entities in orbit around the Earth. They must maintain a specific orientation to ensure their solar panels face the Sun, their communication antennas face Earth, and to prevent tumbling. Additionally, many satellites require the ability to modify their orbits to either transition to a new trajectory or counteract orbital decay.

Regrettably, these operations consume propellant, resulting in a scenario where a perfectly functional multi-million dollar spacecraft becomes obsolete after just a few years.

Advancements in In-Orbit Servicing Technologies

To address this challenge, Northrop Grumman and other companies have been pioneering the development of in-orbit servicing modules. These robotic spacecraft are designed to rendezvous with satellites running low on fuel and rejuvenate them by serving as an additional propulsion system. They can also offer supplementary capabilities such as a new power source or minor repairs.

This capability is particularly appealing to the Space Force due to the high value it places on satellite propulsion. Military satellites often require frequent orbit adjustments for tasks like Earth surveillance, spacecraft inspection, or threat avoidance. Even if these maneuvers are conducted as part of training exercises, the propulsion costs can be significant.

While refueling presents an obvious solution, the challenge lies in developing standardized technology to ensure compatibility between the servicing modules and the satellites seeking replenishment. Without this standardization, the process could resemble the frustration of attempting to charge a smartphone with the wrong cable.

Standardization in Space Agencies

The challenge of standardization is not a new one. Space agencies have grappled with this issue for over half a century, dating back to the Apollo-Soyuz mission of 1975, when the US and USSR needed a common docking mechanism for their spacecraft.

In the case of the Space Force and Northrop Grumman, the strategy involves developing a universal refueling system based on the PRM (Passive Refueling Module). This depot serves as a passive refueling point that SSC (Space Systems Command) satellites can dock with. Consequently, future SSC spacecraft will feature an interface compatible with the PRM, and a PRM will be deployed on an upcoming operational mission for orbital testing.

Additionally, the SSC is investing in Northrop Grumman’s development of the Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker (GAS-T), an orbital tanker. According to Rob Hauge, president of SpaceLogistics at Northrop Grumman, on-orbit refueling is critical in today’s contested and congested space environment. It enables spacecraft to continue maneuvering to address threats, avoid debris, and prolong satellite lifespans. Northrop Grumman, as the pioneer in commercial in-space servicing missions in GEO (Geosynchronous Orbit), remains committed to advancing in-space refueling capabilities in collaboration with SSC and other government partners.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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