U.S. Seeks Spacecraft Refueling Services Info

The U.S. Space Systems Command is looking for companies that could provide refueling services in geostationary orbit to spacecraft configured for such operations.

The goal is to find vendors that, by 2030, could provide the service through standard interfaces that the service has previously approved, Space Systems Command said in a Feb. 13 request for information. Among the information the government is seeking is cost and schedule estimates to get to a first flight.

The providers should be able to comply with Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module and Orbit Fab’s Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface that the Space Systems Command has identified as standard interfaces.

The Pentagon has identified satellite refueling as key to future military space operations, but a report late last year said more testbeds are needed.

Space Systems Command said the total amount of transferable propellant should be at least 1,000 kg (2,205 lb.) using one or more spacecraft or a combination of a spacecraft and on-orbit propellant depot. The entire system should be able to facilitate at least three refueling missions per year.

The underlying technology should be at or past the preliminary design review stage, Space Systems Command said.

At this point the government is not planning to award a contract under the program, but is looking for the information to shape a potential future acquisition plan.