The brief is to establish key mission requirements, said ClearSpace, leading to an initial design of the servicer satellite and a review of the market potential.
It is expected that 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.
Essentially, such refuelling extends satellite lifetimes, enabling the valuable assets to be retained for longer, reducing the frequency of replacement, and reducing space debris generated by defunct satellites.
The work on refuelling services will be done by a UK-based consortium, said the company. Partners will include OrbitFab, the refuelling systems specialist, the Satellite Applications Catapult, experienced in validating complex Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in its dedicated testing facility, and Know.space, which specialises in commercial analysis.
“Until recently, satellites have been designed as one-shot items: non-refuellable with mission lifespans coming to an end when the satellite can no longer manoeuvre effectively,” said Ray Fielding, Head of Space Sustainability at the UK Space Agency.
“This funding shows the UK Space Agency is leading work to develop UK capabilities in performing in-orbit tasks, such as refuelling, and demonstrating leadership in more sustainable space operations”.
The UK Space Agency has invested £2 million for UK industry to research and develop refuelling missions through a set of feasibility studies.
“We are honoured 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,” said ClearSpace’s UK Managing Director, Rory Holmes.
Image: ClearSpace – Artistic impression of the REFUEL.ME servicer approaching a satellite for refuelling
See also: ClearSpace, Orbit Fab partner for in-space refueling service
