ClearSpace and Orbit Fab to create in-space refuelling service

ClearSpace, a prominent leader in in-orbit servicing, and Orbit Fab, a premier provider of on-orbit refuelling services, have announced a multi-faceted partnership aimed at advancing in-space refuelling and servicing capabilities. This collaboration aims to revolutionise space operations and lay the groundwork for a robust and sustainable space economy.

According to the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Orbit Fab and ClearSpace will collaborate on the development of crucial enabling technologies, building upon their initial joint efforts that commenced several years ago. Leveraging their complementary capabilities and shared missions, the two companies will work to expedite the availability of propellants in space. The partnership envisions the creation of a refuelling service architecture, combining an Orbit Fab fuel depot with a ClearSpace shuttle.

The increasing market demand for in-orbit refuelling underscores the necessity for unrestricted in-space mobility and the value of extending the operational life of critical space assets. Recognising Space Mobility and Logistics (SML) as a core competency, the US Space Force views in-orbit refuelling as a direct solution to replenishing spacecraft consumables. Additionally, refuelling is anticipated to become a pivotal competitive advantage for operators of commercial satellites and service vehicles.

Orbit Fab is already providing support to ClearSpace in designing its CLEAR mission for active debris removal, funded by the UK Space Agency. This collaboration aims to enable the service vehicle to be refuelled and reused.

ClearSpace’s development of a refuelling shuttle contributes to the expanding ecosystem of service providers, aligning with the standards and vision established by Orbit Fab in fuel depot development and fuel transfer interfaces. Notably, Orbit Fab’s RAFTI (Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface) refuelling ports and GRIP robotic docking devices are being integrated onto an increasing number of vehicles. RAFTI is scheduled for integration on over a dozen spacecraft, while GRIP is being baselined on another five.

The synergy between Orbit Fab’s fuel transfer expertise and ClearSpace’s vision system and RPO (Relative Positioning and Operations) capabilities results in an enhanced in-orbit service portfolio for ClearSpace and extends the reach of Orbit Fab’s fuel distribution services. This collaboration creates a competitive, commercial marketplace for turn-key, in-orbit refuelling services.