WASHINGTON — Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space will work on a project backed by the U.K. Space Agency to study whether satellites using electric propulsion systems can be refueled in orbit, part of a broader push in Europe toward satellite servicing and reusable spacecraft infrastructure.
Orbit Fab, based in Colorado and the United Kingdom, is developing a commercial in-space refueling service. Thales Alenia Space is one of Europe’s largest satellite manufacturers, with operations across seven countries.
The companies said May 26 they will explore integrating Orbit Fab’s RAFTI refueling interface with electric propulsion systems developed by Thales Alenia Space, such as xenon-fueled Hall-effect thrusters.
RAFTI, short for Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface, is a docking and fue