ESA progresses with In-Orbit Servicing missions

Isn’t it fascinating that we simply discard satellites when they run out of fuel or experience component failures? ESA and European industry have united to ensure the longevity and functionality of our satellites.

In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) aims to extend the lifespan and enhance the capabilities of spacecraft already in orbit. It involves performing maintenance, adjusting orbit trajectory, reorienting spacecraft, supplying additional fuel, and even upgrading onboard instruments.

ESA has conducted extensive research on IOS, particularly as part of its Clean Space initiative to remove and prevent space debris. As a part of this effort, ESA Preparation invited industry partners to propose Europe’s first IOS mission, slated to launch by 2028.

Astroscale, ClearSpace, D-Orbit, and Telespazio (in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space) received funding to develop their ideas, which were presented ahead of the 2022 ESA Council at Ministerial level.

“In-Orbit Servicing has the potential to revolutionize the design and operation of future satellites. By the 2030s, satellite design will likely incorporate interfaces and features that facilitate servicing and disposal,” says Ross Findlay, ESA’s IOS system engineer.

Future satellites may carry less fuel but have larger instruments. The concept of in-orbit assembly also means that satellites can be designed with easily replaceable modules. To ensure compatibility, discussions on standardizing ‘docking’ structures have already begun, making it easier for servicing spacecraft to connect with various types of satellites.

In-Orbit Servicing: A Commercial Perspective

Given that more than half of all satellites launched are commercial, involving commercial operators is crucial for standardizing servicing procedures. “We made it mandatory for all four teams to establish a customer relationship for their proposed service,” notes Ross.

“These discussions involved ESA, the companies proposing IOS missions, and satellite owners. For example, we had to consider the legal implications of satellite collisions during servicing and determining responsibility,” adds Ross.

ESA’s Preparation program, under Basic Activities, supported these mission assessment studies along with broader commercialization opportunities. “These activities and their contributions to the Ministerial Council meeting illustrate the importance of the Preparation program in turning ideas into reality,” says Moritz Fontaine, ESA’s Discovery & Preparation officer.

Telecommunications Industry Demands Life-Extension Services

The four selected companies explored IOS operations for satellites in both low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). LEO hosts critical satellites like the Hubble Space Telescope, Copernicus Sentinel Earth observation satellites, and the International Space Station. GEO is home to Europe’s series of Meteosat weather satellites and the majority of telecommunications satellites.

An evident outcome from these studies is the telecommunications industry’s eagerness for life-extension services to be available as soon as possible. Orbital maintenance is of particular importance to operators, ensuring spacecraft remains precisely where it needs to be by adjusting orbit or rotation if drift occurs over time.

However, maintaining orbit consumes fuel. The proposed solutions outline how servicing spacecraft could attach to satellites with depleted fuel and offer necessary orbit control. The servicing spacecraft can remain attached for as long as required before moving the satellite to a “graveyard orbit” and moving on to the next satellite in need of servicing.

Emerging Perspectives from New Space

Interestingly, three of the four proposals came from “New Space” companies, characterized by their innovative approach to design and development, smaller teams, and faster iterations. “Comparing their different workflows and discussing potential collaborations was refreshing,” affirms Ross.

Following the studies, ESA’s Space Safety program has chosen to pursue two of the proposed missions. The program envisions expanding IOS operations in terms of the number of missions and their capabilities. European industry is ambitious, aiming to establish IOS as common practice by the early to mid-2030s.

 

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Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.