// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Space Logistics
The planning, implementation, and control of the movement and storage of goods, equipment, and personnel to, from, and within space.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Space logistics encompasses the end-to-end management of supply chains for space missions, including launch services, in-orbit servicing, resupply of space stations, and future lunar/Martian operations, optimizing transportation, storage, and resource allocation for human and robotic endeavors.
BACKGROUND
Space logistics is the discipline concerned with designing, operating, and sustaining space systems by managing the flow of materiel, services, and information across the space system lifecycle. It includes terrestrial logistics in support of space travel, including any additional "design and development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of space materiel", movement of people in space, and contracting and supplying any required support services for maintaining space travel. The space logistics research and practice primarily focus on the modeling and management of the astro-logistics supply chain from Earth and on to destinations throughout the Solar System as well as the system architecture strategies to minimize both logistics requirements and operational costs of human and robotic operations in space.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- In-space logistics
- orbital supply chain
- space resupply
- space cargo
USAGE NOTE
Effective space logistics is critical for long-duration space missions and lunar bases.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Space Logistics.
Develops advanced rockets and spacecraft, including the Starship system designed for large-scale logistics to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars, as well as regular resupply missions to the International Space Station with its Dragon spacecraft.
A major defense and aerospace company that provides commercial resupply services to the International Space Station with its Cygnus spacecraft and develops various satellite servicing and mission extension technologies.
Developing the Dream Chaser spaceplane for cargo resupply to low-Earth orbit and return capabilities, as well as orbital infrastructure and space habitats.
A leading company focused on in-orbit servicing, space debris removal, and satellite life extension services, all critical components of sustainable space logistics.
Provides in-space infrastructure services, including orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) for last-mile satellite delivery and hosted payload capabilities.
Developing in-space refueling infrastructure, aiming to create 'gas stations in space' to extend the operational life of satellites and enable new missions.
Focuses on innovative space logistics solutions, including technologies for orbital debris remediation, in-space resource utilization, and efficient orbital transfer.
Involved in various deep space exploration, resupply, and satellite projects, often developing the complex logistics required for long-duration missions and orbital deployments.
Through its various programs, ESA is actively researching and developing technologies for in-orbit servicing, space debris mitigation, lunar logistics, and future human and robotic exploration missions.