ClearSpace has secured a contract with the UK Space Agency to investigate the feasibility of an in-orbit satellite refueling mission, an exciting new market for on-orbit services.
The REFUEL.ME study, which will run until September of 2024, will involve the establishment of the key mission requirements and the definition of the mission concept of operations, leading to an initial design of the servicer satellite and a review of the sizeable market potential. Ultimately, the selected servicer will first refuel the UK National Debris Removal Mission, for which ClearSpace is also developing a concept, before continuing to refuel other commercial satellites. Enabling satellite lifetimes to be extended in this manner, ensures such valuable assets can be retained for longer, reducing the frequency of replacement, and aiding the reduction of further space debris generated by defunct satellites.
ClearSpace’s rapidly growing UK subsidiary is fully engaged in developing the CLEAR Spacecraft for the UK National Debris Removal mission, and brings significant experience and expertise in this area. The opportunity to use existing developments, particular key technologies synonymous across different on-orbit services, maximizes value by leveraging the UK’s previous investment into active debris removal, in-orbit services and refueling interfaces.
With a goal to deliver future commercial refueling services, ClearSpace is teaming up with key industry partners to form a UK-based consortium with specialized expertise. OrbitFab brings their pioneering expertise in refueling systems, Satellite Applications Catapult has extensive experience in validating complex Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in their dedicated testing facility, and Know.space is an industry leader in commercial and economic analysis.
The UK Space Agency has invested £2 million for UK industry to research and develop refuelling missions through a set of feasibility studies. The funding will allow industry experts to develop new technologies to refuel satellites in space, leading to extended mission lifetimes, reduced waste and debris and more economical use of vital orbital assets. This investment is another significant step towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for space exploration.
Rory Holmes, ClearSpace UK Managing Director, said, “ClearSpace is committed to making humanity’s space operations sustainable. The funding received from the UK Space Agency to establish our national refueling capabilities, to extend the lives of satellites in-orbit, represents a joint ambition for the UK to be at the forefront of the emerging in-orbit servicing market. We are honored to continue working closely with the UK Space Agency and our industrial partners, to utilise the wealth of knowledge and expertise available in the UK to develop our concept for a state-of the-art mission that will not only become an indispensable service in the future, but will also help to mitigate the growing issue of space debris.”
Ray Fielding, Head of Space Sustainability at the UK Space Agency, said, ”Until recently, satellites have been designed as one-shot items: non-refuelable with mission lifespans coming to an end when the satellite can no longer maneuver effectively. This funding shows the UK Space Agency is leading work to develop UK capabilities in performing in-orbit tasks, such as refueling, and demonstrating leadership in more sustainable space operations.”
