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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Space Force is advancing preparations for a series of orbital experiments designed to evaluate in-space satellite refueling technologies. This initiative strategically positions commercial entities at the forefront of the burgeoning orbital refueling market within the broader space industry. These upcoming demonstrations aim to validate critical hardware and systems required for a sustainable space logistics infrastructure, potentially extending satellite lifespans and transforming future space operations.
Tetra-5 Mission: Validating Commercial Refueling Interfaces
Known as Tetra-5 and Tetra-6, these planned missions will rigorously assess refueling mechanisms from prominent companies including Astroscale, Northrop Grumman, and Orbit Fab—all leading contenders in the emerging orbital refueling sector.
“Tetra-5 will confirm the interface and a scalable commercial refueling architecture,” a Space Systems Command representative stated to SpaceNews, emphasizing the mission’s objective to validate key components.
Originally conceived in 2022 as a singular $44.5 million project slated for 2025, the program has since evolved into two distinct missions: Tetra-5, now scheduled for launch in 2026, and Tetra-6, set to follow in 2027.
Testing Astroscale and Orbit Fab Technologies
The Tetra-5 mission is set to deploy a pair of small satellites. These satellites will be equipped with Orbit Fab’s Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI), an advanced valve engineered to facilitate propellant transfers while in orbit.
One satellite will endeavor to dock with an Orbit Fab propellant depot, an initiative backed by Pentagon funding via the Defense Innovation Unit. The second satellite will assess compatibility with an Astroscale U.S. propellant shuttle, a system under development in collaboration with Space Systems Command’s Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics office.
Tetra-6 Mission: Assessing Northrop Grumman’s Refueling Solution
The subsequent Tetra-6 mission will evaluate Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) in 2027. This system is also a product of collaborative development supported by the Defense Innovation Unit. This mission will involve launching a single satellite incorporating the PRM interface, which will then attempt to connect with Northrop Grumman’s ROOSTER-5 (Rapid On-orbit Space Technology Evaluation Ring) tanker satellite.
This demonstration is crucial to Northrop Grumman’s broader development of an orbital fuel tanker known as Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker (GAS-T). The GAS-T tanker is planned to utilize the company’s ESPAStar D ring-shaped satellite bus as its foundation.
Space Systems Command has officially recognized both the RAFTI and PRM refueling systems as “acceptable commercial solutions for refueling,” signaling a significant step forward in validating these technologies.
Evaluation of Refueling Technologies and Industry Viability
Beyond the primary refueling hardware providers, the Tetra missions include participation from several other contractors. Arcfield is serving as the satellite integrator for these missions, while Redwire is tasked with supplying the satellite buses. Space Systems Command will oversee and manage operations for both Tetra-5 and Tetra-6 missions.
For the Space Force, these experimental missions are vital for collecting essential data to determine the practicality of the evolving in-space logistics sector. The military branch also aims to ascertain whether commercial entities can establish viable business models in this domain without sustained governmental financial support.
While Space Force officials have conveyed their interest in potentially utilizing commercial refueling services in the future, they require definitive evidence that the technology can perform reliably and effectively within the challenging conditions of space.
Industry stakeholders emphasize that in-orbit refueling capabilities hold the potential to revolutionize space operations by significantly extending the operational life of satellites, providing enhanced mission flexibility, and notably decreasing the expenses associated with replacing aging spacecraft.