// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Lifetime
This refers to the total period a spacecraft or its components are expected to remain functional and operational. It's often limited by factors like fuel, radiation exposure, or component degradation.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The operational duration of a space asset, such as a satellite or launch vehicle component, from deployment to end-of-life, limited by factors like fuel reserves, radiation dosage, or component degradation, directly impacting mission longevity and replacement cycles.
BACKGROUND
Bigelow Aerospace was an American space design and manufacturing company which ceased operations in 2020. It was an aeronautics and outer space technology company which manufactured and developed expandable space station modules. Bigelow Aerospace was founded by Robert Bigelow in 1998, and was based in North Las Vegas, Nevada. It was funded in large part by the profit Bigelow gained through his ownership of the hotel chain Budget Suites of America.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Service life
- Operational life
- Design life
- Mission duration
- Longevity
USAGE NOTE
Understanding a satellite's lifetime is crucial for mission planning and constellation replenishment strategies.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Lifetime.
Operates the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) and is developing the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) to provide in-orbit satellite life-extension and servicing. The MEV docks with aging satellites to provide propulsion and attitude control, extending their operational life.
A company focused on satellite servicing and long-term orbital sustainability. They are developing technologies for on-orbit life extension, including inspection, repair, and refueling, in addition to their end-of-life and debris removal services.
Building an in-space propellant supply chain ('gas stations in space'). By providing the ability to refuel satellites in orbit, Orbit Fab's technology directly enables the extension of satellite operational lifetimes, which are often limited by on-board fuel reserves.
Pioneered reusable launch vehicles with its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. By recovering and reflying first-stage boosters, they have dramatically extended the operational lifetime of the most expensive component of a launch system from a single use to multiple missions.
A leading satellite manufacturer that also develops on-orbit servicing technology. Maxar is building the robotic arm (SPIDER) for NASA's OSAM-1 mission, designed to refuel, repair, and upgrade satellites to extend their functional lifetime.
Developing the 'Otter' space tug, a versatile vehicle designed for satellite life extension and end-of-life disposal. The Otter is designed to dock with other spacecraft to provide services that can extend their operational period.
Designs and manufactures radiation-hardened (Rad-Hard) electronics for spacecraft. These components are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival and functionality of satellites and deep-space probes in the harsh radiation environment of space, directly impacting their operational lifetime.
Through its On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) initiatives, NASA is developing foundational technologies to service satellites. The OSAM-1 mission aims to demonstrate robotic refueling and repair, validating key technologies to extend spacecraft lifetimes.