WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is preparing to launch multiple spacecraft to geostationary orbit in 2027 for two separate in-space services demonstrations: one to test satellite refueling and another to test whether a servicing vehicle can dock with and maneuver another spacecraft.
In a space launch mission known as USSF-23, the Space Force will deploy a fuel-transfer spacecraft built by Astroscale U.S., a propellant depot developed by Orbit Fab and a servicing “space tug” from Starfish Space. The spacecraft are intended to demonstrate what the Space Force calls servicing, mobility and logistics — a category of technologies some military leaders see as necessary.
As the military places greater emphasis on maneuverability and survivability in orbit, officials are exploring whether spacecraft can be serviced, repositioned and refueled much like aircraft or ships.
Whether such services become commercially sustainable remains to be seen.
Col. Scott Carstetter, who leads the servicing, mobility and logistics office at Space Systems Command, said his organization has spent the past three years studying whether a viable market could emerge around orbital logistics.
