Speaker
Description
The Orbit Fab Podracer mission, focused on rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) in a sun-synchronous orbit, is the next step towards the first commercial satellite refueling. Refueling is one of the building blocks of a circular economy in space. The mission is an opportunity to promote sustainable in-space operations, and engage in open dialogue in on-orbit servicing. The mission, scheduled to launch in early 2024, will de-risk complex technologies required for a successful refueling. These include the RAFTI fueling port, a suite of sensors, an RPO-capable propulsion system, and proximity operations algorithms and relative navigation. Furthermore, it acts as a risk reduction for operations of an RPO-capable small satellite. In order to uphold a responsible, zero-debris approach to in orbit servicing development, the mission takes a stepwise approach in its deployment of select technologies to be proven on orbit. Later missions will build on Podracer, which is not a docking spacecraft, by performing closer approaches, docking, and refueling. The mission is designed to be rapid, low-cost, and collaborative. Learnings will be documented and shared in order to maintain an open dialogue with other in-space servicing companies and the public. It is an RPO testbed on orbit, which not only takes the next step towards on orbit refueling, but offers the opportunity to set the standard for collaboration across in orbit servicing companies and other stakeholders. For example, the spacecraft includes an Astroscale docking plate, which could be used for active deorbit at end-of-life. Agreements are being developed to collaborate with potential proximity operations clients, and plans are in place to provide public announcements of satellite proximity operations activity, similar to aviation “notices to air missions” (NOTAMs). The Orbit Fab Podracer mission strives to be an example that upholds clean space standards, including a zero-debris approach and responsible end-of-life management, and moves towards a more circular in-space economy. This underscores the possibility of achieving the dual objectives of technological advancement and sustainability in space operations, moving towards a future of responsible, cooperative, and economically viable space exploration.
