Orbit Fab, the Colorado-based company that established a UK subsidiary in 2022, announced it secured the first stage of a contract from ESA and the UK Space Agency worth £1.3M to demonstrate in-space refuelling capabilities by 2028 alongside a consortium of European partners from the UK, Austria, and Lithuania.
This initial award marks a major step within the broader Advancing Satcom Technology with Refuelling and Logistics (ASTRAL)mission, a multi-purpose activity co‑funded through ESA’s ARTES programme. ASTRAL aims to validate the technologies and operations needed to make in-orbit refuelling a routine part of Europe’s future space infrastructure.
As the mission lead, Orbit Fab will spearhead Europe’s first in-orbit refuelling demonstration. The company will test its RAFTI™ (Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface) fuelling port and GRASP (Grasping and Resupply Active Solution for Propellants) docking interface in orbit, proving they can enable a safe, leak-free connection between spacecraft. The experiment will include mechanical docking, proximity operations, and the transfer of multiple propellants—nitrous oxide, ethane, and Xenon—marking an important milestone in sustainable satellite servicing.
The effort is supported by a strong European consortium. KISPE Space Systems, Gate Space Innovation GmbH, Blackswan Space, and Indra Deimos will contribute design, integration, and supporting technologies that make the mission possible.
In-orbit refuelling is increasingly vital as space becomes more congested and competitive. The ability to extend satellite life, reduce launch frequency, and manoeuvre more freely strengthens Europe’s long-term sustainability and strategic autonomy. ASTRAL positions Europe to take a leading role in what could become an orbital fuel-station economy—a critical enabler for the broader space economy.
Image credit: Orbit Fab
References
Orbit Fab wins ESA funding to lead “ASTRAL” – a European landmark in-orbit refuelling mission
Europe’s ASTRAL mission will test Orbit Fab’s RAFTI refueling technology in orbit https://www.militaryaerospace.com/communications/news/55332088/europes-astral-mission-will-test-orbit-fabs-rafti-refueling-technology-in-orbit,
Orbit Fab Lands ESA, UK Space Agency Refueling Contract https://payloadspace.com/orbit-fab-lands-esa-uk-space-agency-refueling-contract/
Orbit Fab Webpage
Paper: Highlighting the Need for In-Situ-Derived Propellants for Cislunar and Near-Earth Applications