Refueling Satellites in Space: Polish Company Close to a Breakthrough

A Polish consortium is working hard on an innovative system for servicing and refueling satellites in orbit that could extend their lifespan by up to two decades. Such a solution would bring significant benefits to satellite operators, lowering operating costs and reducing the amount of space debris.

There is no similar technology in Europe yet, but the Polish company PIAP Space, working with scientists from Łukasiewicz – ILOT, is trying to change that. The team is developing technologies that allow service satellites to approach and move away from those requiring repair or refueling, as well as docking and fuel transfer systems that ensure the safety and reliability of the entire process.

Refueling satellites in orbit

As Marcin Dobrowolski, president of PIAP Space, explains, refueling satellites in orbit is technically possible, which has already been proven in several NASA missions. However, such operations have so far required huge financial outlays and advanced technology. Currently, the aim is to make these operations cheaper and more autonomous, which is one of the goals of the Polish consortium.

Dobrowolski describes two approaches to refueling objects in space. The first option involves creating a space station in orbit that would allow refueling of various satellites. Alternatively, a dedicated vehicle could deliver fuel to a specific satellite, similar to ships at sea.

The in-orbit refueling system could extend the life of fully operational satellites, which are currently being retired due to fuel exhaustion. The INORT project, which PIAP Space is working on together with the Space Technology Center and the Unmanned Technology Center, includes the development of comprehensive satellite docking and servicing systems. This project involves developing technologies for approaching an object, docking, transferring fuel and safely departing after the end of the operation. The Space Technology Center focuses on developing refueling technologies, while the Unmanned Technology Center deals with the energy aspects of the mission, sensors for satellite localization and attitude control.

Satellite refueling in orbit is a complex task that requires ensuring safety throughout the entire process, including safe fuel transfer and moving away from the serviced object. Additionally, these operations must comply with international laws and meet customer expectations, which is another challenge for the PIAP Space team.

The project developed by the Poles is a pioneer on a European scale, because there are no standards for refueling satellites or commercial solutions available in this area on the Old Continent. The situation is different in the United States, where one of the companies has already obtained permission from the American Space Force to use its refueling port in military satellites.

The ability to refuel satellites in orbit is also important for sustainable space development. There are currently over 30,000 objects in orbit, of which only 9,000 are still active. The ability to refuel satellites could extend their useful life by 20-30 years, reducing the amount of space debris and the need to launch more objects into orbit, which is already a growing problem.

The INORT project is financed by the Polish contribution to the European Space Agency, which further highlights its importance on the international stage.