New Satellite Refuelling Partnership set to boost Space Sustainability
Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space are partnering on REEF, a project supported by the UK Space Agency, to design new satellite refuelling architecture that aims to enhance the sustainability and resilience of space operations.
Teams from Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space in the UK will combine their expertise to collaborate on REEF (Refuellable Electric Engine Flatsat), an electric propulsion fluid Flatsat. This ground-based demonstrator is designed to validate a new architecture for refuellable satellite propulsion systems. Flatsat enables comprehensive testing of fluid interfaces, operational procedures, and innovative in-orbit refuelling concepts.
Thales Alenia Space brings its world-class expertise in developing innovative spacecraft propulsion subsystems to help further advance the sustainability and resilience of space operations, as well as extend mission lifetimes and improve operational flexibility.
This partnership represents an important step towards a future in which spacecraft are designed from the outset to be serviced, upgraded and refuelled in orbit. By encouraging reuse, life extension and in-orbit servicing, REEF supports a circular economy in space, reducing waste and maximising the value of orbital assets.
Jacob Geer, the Managing Director of Orbit Fab in Europe, said: We are delighted to be partnering with Thales Alenia Space in the UK on this important project. Integrating our RAFTI technology with their electric propulsion expertise is a natural combination, and one that will help demonstrate the viability of refuellable satellites for the next generation of missions using Electric Propulsion. As the demand for longer-lasting and more sustainable spacecraft grows, collaborations like this are essential to making in-orbit refuelling a reality for operators across Europe.
Iain Hughes, Head of the National Space Innovation Programme (UKSA), said: NSIP is proud to support UK companies with world‑class expertise in building the foundations of a thriving on‑orbit economy. By enabling reuse, extending mission lifetimes and unlocking a circular approach to space, partnerships like this are driving a more sustainable, resilient and commercially dynamic future for the sector.
About Orbit Fab
Orbit Fab has the infrastructure to make it easy for any satellite to be refuelled in orbit. With the first fuel depot already in orbit and four refuelling missions (including refuelling demonstrations and services to customers) flying in the next two years, the company can deliver fuel to dozens of client satellites at various stages in development that are now equipped with the RAFTI® refuelling interface. RAFTI® can replace traditional satellite service valves for ground fuelling, meaning minimal additional cost, weight, volume, or complexity for the client spacecraft. It is available under an open license and has become the de facto industry standard satellite refuelling interface.
Orbit Fab is headquartered in Colorado and also has facilities in the U.K.
Learn more at www.orbitfab.com.
Media Contact:
Ms Calypso Kulasegram
+44 (0)7 3936 25870.
