// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
In-Space Servicing
In-space servicing involves repairing, refueling, upgrading, or relocating satellites and other spacecraft while they are already in orbit.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
In-Space Servicing (ISS) encompasses a range of robotic or human-assisted operations performed on orbiting spacecraft, including refueling, repair, inspection, upgrade, or relocation, to extend operational life or enhance capabilities.
BACKGROUND
Sierra Space Corporation is a privately held aerospace and space technologies company headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, with additional facilities in Colorado, Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina and a testing site at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The company makes spaceflight hardware for various applications across the industry.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- On-Orbit Servicing
- Satellite Servicing
- Orbital Repair
- Spacecraft Maintenance
USAGE NOTE
In-space servicing is critical for extending the lifespan of expensive satellites and managing space debris.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to In-Space Servicing.
A subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, SpaceLogistics provides satellite life extension, in-orbit repair, and other servicing capabilities for spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit using its Mission Extension Vehicles (MEV).
Astroscale is a pioneer in developing technologies and services for orbital debris removal, satellite life extension, and in-orbit servicing to ensure sustainable use of space.
Orbit Fab is developing a network of fuel depots and transfer vehicles to provide satellite refueling services in orbit, enabling extended mission lifetimes and enhanced operational flexibility.
ClearSpace is an ESA spin-off focused on developing missions and technology for active debris removal, aiming to clean up space and ensure the safety of operational satellites.
Momentus offers in-space infrastructure services, including satellite transportation to various orbits and future capabilities for in-orbit servicing and assembly, leveraging its Vigoride service vehicle.
MDA Ltd. is renowned for its advanced robotics, including the Canadarm series, which are critical for precision manipulation and assembly tasks required for in-space servicing missions.
D-Orbit provides in-orbit transportation services for satellites, deploying them to precise orbits, and is also developing technologies that support future in-space servicing capabilities.