ASTRAL
Demonstration mission to refuel satellites in orbit
Two satellites built on the proprietary HyperSat platform
European mission carried out in collaboration between OrbitFab and the ESA
Longer satellite lifespans and a new segment of space services
At present, a satellite that runs out of fuel ends its mission, even if all its systems are still functioning properly. In-orbit refuelling could change this: it could extend the operational life of satellites, reduce mission costs and make better use of the infrastructure already in space. This is significant not only commercially but also strategically, as the resilience of satellite systems is becoming one of the pillars of national security.
ASTRAL is a European mission designed to demonstrate that in-orbit refuelling is feasible in practice. Two satellites – the Servicer and the Target – will be launched together and connected via a docking interface. Once in orbit, they will carry out a series of experiments: fuel transfer, undocking, approach manoeuvres and redocking. The project leader and mission integrator is OrbitFab, a company which, amongst other things, carries out contracts to supply fuel for United States Space Force satellites.
Creotech Instruments will supply two HyperSat satellite platforms, on which both satellites will be built. In the first phase of the project, we are preparing the system documentation for both platforms: technical requirements, interface specifications, integration and test plans, and risk analyses. ASTRAL is developing the expertise we are building in the field of in-orbit satellite servicing and expanding it to include refuelling technologies.