Revolutionizing Space Travel: SwRI Developing Fuel-Depleted Satellite Refueling Spaceship to Ensure Continued Operation

In a bid to tackle the issue of satellites running out of fuel, the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in the US is set to develop spacecraft that will provide refueling services to thousands of satellites and spacecraft in geostationary orbit. With an altitude of approximately 35,800 km above the equator, SwRI aims to address this serious problem that affects many satellites by developing a small spacecraft prototype called Astroscale Prototype Servicer for Refueling (APS-R) as part of the $25.5 million Space Mobility and Logistics pilot project funded by the US Space Force.

The APS-R will move in a circular orbit that matches the Earth’s rotation period and will transport hydrazine propellant from storage to satellites in need of refueling. This spacecraft can provide refueling services to any spacecraft equipped with a compatible refueling port in geostationary orbit. SwRI aims to build a “spaceship bus” to carry APS-R to space within the next 16 months, with maximum dimensions of 61 x 71 x 114 cm when stowed for launch and a launch mass of 198 kg including propellant.

The development of this spaceship bus will take place at SwRI’s new Space Systems Orbiter and Payload Handling Facility, where they can quickly assemble and test small spacecraft. Once completed, SwRI will integrate cargo provided by Astroscale and conduct environmental testing in preparation for launch. The APS-R ship is expected to be ready for launch in 2026, marking a significant step towards addressing the issue of satellites running out of fuel and ensuring their continued operation even when equipment is still in good condition.