Could an on-orbit gas station extend the lives of military satellites?
Nathan Strout
WASHINGTON — An on-orbit gas station could be the latest addition to the growing portfolio of satellite life-extension services, with the first so-called gas station in space anticipated to be launched by Orbit Fab in June 2021.
“In-orbit servicing companies are rapidly proliferating with a five-fold increase since we founded Orbit Fab in 2018,†CEO Daniel Faber said in a statement. “Our gas stations in space are an essential resource to fuel this industry and support the infrastructure in space that enables projected commerce, exploration and national security.â€
Launched in 2018, the San Francisco, California-based Orbit Fab announced Nov. 18 it signed a deal with Spaceflight Inc. to launch its first operational fuel depot into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. Once on orbit, Tanker 001 Tenzing will be a potential source of fuel for compatible space vehicles with depleted fuel stores.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/11/30/could-an-on-orbit-gas-station-help-extend-the-lives-of-military-satellites/