Economic activity on Earth relies on a large logistics infrastructure – everything we buy and consume, and every trip we make, depends on a global transportation network connecting trucks, ships, aircraft, warehouses supported by fuel systems, maintenance services and communications. The same will be soon true in space – so ESA intends to connect Earth orbit and even the Moon and Mars with in-space transportation.
To set in motion the development of a comprehensive space logistics capability, ESA has asked European industry for proposals for on-orbit transportation demonstration missions. The objective will be to set up an efficient in-space system which would provide in-space transportation capabilities to access new destinations and missions such as spacecraft servicing or repair and in-orbit construction of large structures.
With a view to flying an initial proof-of-concepts mission as soon as 2025, ESA Director of Space Transportation, Daniel Neuenschwander, has announced the selection of consortia led by D-Orbit, The Exploration Company, OHB System, S.A.B. Aerospace and Thales Alenia Space France, which are being contracted to carry out studies starting this year, proposing mission schemes.
Working through its Future Launchers Preparatory Program, ESA envisions a space transportation ecosystem maturing in the 2030s.
The transportation system envisioned by ESA will also enable access to destinations, such as the Moon or Mars, that would be difficult to supply by single-launch missions from Earth. This ecosystem will be served by automated In-Space Transportation Vehicles.
ESA’s in-space transportation concepts studies are carried out by the future preparation unit of its Space Transportation Systems Directorate.
Neuenschwander said, “On Earth we have created an almost seamless network of transportation services for moving goods and people around the planet. If we hope to use space to its full potential, the same needs to be true in Earth orbit and beyond. Logistics will soon be a cornerstone of a competitive and sovereign space transportation capability. For Europe this challenge is urgent, and for ESA it is a priority.”
