Under and MoU agreement, Orbit Fab and ClearSpace are committed to developing critical technologies. This initiative builds upon their prior collaborative efforts, which commenced several years ago. The synergy of the two companies will expedite the availability of propellants in space. This will be achieved through a unique refueling service architecture, which combines an Orbit Fab fuel depot with a ClearSpace shuttle.
The increasing market demand for in-orbit refueling underscores the need for greater in-space mobility and the value of prolonging the operational utility of essential space assets. The US Space Force, recognizing Space Mobility and Logistics (SML) as one of its primary competencies, views in-orbit refueling as a vital solution to the challenge of replenishing spacecraft consumables. Additionally, this capability is poised to become a key competitive advantage for operators of commercial satellites and service vehicles.
Orbit Fab's involvement in ClearSpace's CLEAR mission, funded by the UK Space Agency, is a testament to their partnership's depth. This collaboration aims at active debris removal, allowing the service vehicle to be refueled and reused.
ClearSpace is adding to the growing ecosystem of service providers with the development of its refueling shuttle. This aligns with the standards and vision established by Orbit Fab's foundational work in fuel depot development and fuel transfer interfaces, such as the RAFTI (Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface) refueling ports and GRIP robotic docking devices. These innovations are already being integrated aboard numerous vehicles, with RAFTI scheduled for integration on over a dozen spacecraft, and GRIP being baselined on another five.
This partnership enables ClearSpace to broaden its in-orbit service portfolio, while Orbit Fab extends the reach of its fuel distribution services. Consequently, a competitive, commercial marketplace for turn-key, in-orbit refueling services is emerging.
Luc Piguet, ClearSpace Co-Founder and CEO, commented on the collaboration: "Orbit Fab is the clear leader in satellite refueling, and ClearSpace is excited to partner with them as we explore possibilities for advancing new servicing and refueling capabilities that will ultimately benefit everyone participating in the space economy and beyond." He highlighted the growing demand in the U.S., UK, and globally for service vehicles and refueling, as government and commercial operators seek to enhance the ROI of their missions and extend operations.
Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab Founder and CEO, also shared his insights: "ClearSpace is developing key technologies that will unlock opportunities for last-mile fuel delivery in both GEO and LEO, and we're delighted to see our collaboration with ClearSpace push the boundaries of what is possible today." He emphasized the importance of their RAFTI and GRIP refueling systems as the interfaces of choice for secure, sustainable in-space refueling operations, and how their joint work is revolutionizing capabilities for extended satellite operations.
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