ISAM
On-orbit operations that refuel, upgrade, repair, assemble, or build spacecraft — extending lifetimes and enabling larger structures than any rocket fairing.
In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) covers any operation performed in orbit on a satellite or structure after launch: refueling, life extension, repair, augmentation, on-orbit assembly of larger structures, and additive manufacturing.
ISAM is the architecture layer that lets you stop treating spacecraft as disposable. Refueling alone breaks the propellant-budget tyranny that drives most spacecraft mass. Northrop Grumman MEV, Orbit Fab, Astroscale, and a wave of well-funded entrants are turning ISAM from demo to commercial service.
- Life-extension docking for GEO comsats
- Refueling depots for high-cadence missions
- On-orbit assembly of large structures (telescopes, antennas, habitats)
NASA to Preview Katalyst Mission to Boost Swift Spacecraft’s Orbit
NASA will host an audio-only media teleconference at 11 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, June 17, to preview the Katalyst Space mission to boost the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Katalyst’s robotic servicing spacecraft, called LINK, will attempt to rendezvous with Swift and raise its altitude, extending its science mission lifespan and advancing a key […]
Revolv Space enters in-orbit servicing market with Infinite Orbits deal
WARSAW, Poland — The Italian-Dutch company Revolv Space has announced that French in-orbit services provider Infinite Orbits has selected its Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs), the devices used to manage […] The post Revolv Space enters in-orbit servicing market with Infinite Orbits deal appeared first on SpaceNews.
CEO Series: Lux Aeterna’s Brian Taylor on what’s next for on-orbit servicing
In this episode of Space Minds, David Ariosto talks with Lux Aeterna CEO Brian Taylor about the problems with disposable satellites and the use for on-orbit servicing. Sponsored by Arcfield […] The post CEO Series: Lux Aeterna’s Brian Taylor on what’s next for on-orbit servicing appeared first on SpaceNews.
NASA to Showcase Mission to Boost Swift Spacecraft’s Orbit
Media are invited to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Wednesday, June 17, to view Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL rocket, carrying a Katalyst robotic spacecraft that will attempt to boost the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Katalyst’s robotic servicing spacecraft, called LINK, will launch on Pegasus in June to rendezvous with Swift […]
Space Force eyes 2027 demonstrations of in-space refueling and satellite servicing
USSF-23 mission will launch vehicles to demonstrate refueling and satellite servicing in geostationary orbit The post Space Force eyes 2027 demonstrations of in-space refueling and satellite servicing appeared first on SpaceNews.
NASA TechLeap Prize: Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge
The Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge — the fifth in the NASA TechLeap Prize series — is a competition to advance persistent infrastructure for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. NASA Flight Opportunities invites applicants to propose a payload that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit. Up to three winners will each receive up […]
DARPA’s robotic servicing mission to finally fly this summer
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites mission, a partnership between DARPA and Northrop Grumman, will result in the first US on-orbit servicing capability, according to company officials.
Northrop Grumman’s First MRV Readies for Summer Launch to Expand the Space Servicing Toolkit
STERLING, Va. — Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics is scheduled to launch its next-generation space vehicle for on-orbit refueling and satellite life extension this summer, program leaders told reporters Tuesday. The company […] The post Northrop Grumman’s First MRV Readies for Summer Launch to Expand the Space Servicing Toolkit appeared first on Via Satellite .