The Great Debate: Refueling vs. Deorbiting in Spacecraft Management

As satellite traffic increases, the question of how best to manage aging or obsolete satellites and spacecraft has become more pressing. Two primary strategies have emerged in this ongoing debate: refueling versus deorbiting. Both approaches carry significant implications for the future of spaceflight, sustainability, and commercial ventures. But which is the better option? Let's break down the key arguments in the great debate between refueling and deorbiting.

 

REFUELING: Extending the Life of Space Assets

Refueling has emerged as a game-changing approach for extending the operational life of spacecraft, helping to reduce costs, enhance flexibility, and contribute to sustainable space operations. With the development of in-orbit servicing technologies, the possibility of refueling satellites could drastically change the way we manage space assets. Traditionally, satellites and other space assets were designed to operate until their fuel reserves were depleted, often leaving otherwise functional hardware stranded in orbit. However, with the emergence of in-orbit servicing technologies, refueling has become a more attractive solution.

 

Advantages of Refueling:

• Cost Efficiency: Building and launching new satellites is an expensive endeavor. By refueling existing spacecraft, operators can significantly extend their life spans, reducing the need for new investments.
• Sustainability: In a time when sustainability is crucial, refueling existing spacecraft minimizes the production of new satellites, cutting down on resource consumption and waste.
• Maximizing ROI: For commercial operators, refueling allows for continued revenue generation without the substantial capital outlay required for deploying a new satellite.
• Increased Mobility and Flexibility: Satellites carry a limited amount of fuel for their operational lifespan. When unexpected events—such as the need to avoid space debris or re-position for a better strategic location—arise, fuel consumption can dramatically shorten the mission's duration. Refueling not only extends a satellite's life but also provides the freedom to make additional maneuvers, change orbital positions, or adjust for new mission objectives. This enhanced mobility could be crucial for both scientific and commercial satellites, enabling them to adapt to evolving conditions in space without compromising mission success.

 

Challenges of Refueling:

• Technological Complexity: While there have been successful refueling missions, the technology is still relatively new and complex, requiring highly specialized equipment and infrastructure.
• Safety and Risk: Docking with a spacecraft for refueling is inherently risky. A failed refueling mission could result in damage or destruction of a valuable satellite, making it a high-stakes operation.
• Limited Applicability: Not all spacecraft are designed with the ability to refuel, which limits the number of satellites that can benefit from this option.
• High Costs: Refueling technology is still in the early stages of development, requiring significant investment in research, testing, and operational infrastructure. Until the process becomes more widespread, the costs associated with each refueling mission remain high.
• Market Barriers: For refueling to become a mainstream solution, many challenges need to be addressed, including the standardization of docking and fuel transfer systems. Most satellites currently in orbit weren’t designed for refueling, meaning widespread adoption will require changes in spacecraft design, policy agreements, and customer demand to support this emerging market.

 

DEORBITING: Cleaning up Space, Ensuring Long-Term Safety

Deorbiting is a more traditional approach that involves guiding spacecraft toward Earth's atmosphere, where they burn up upon reentry. This method has been widely used to prevent defunct satellites from contributing to the growing problem of space debris. As low Earth orbit (LEO) becomes more crowded with satellites from constellations like Starlink, OneWeb, and others, deorbiting has become increasingly important.

 

Advantages of Deorbiting:

• Technological Refresh and Cost Efficiency: Deorbiting opens the door for replacing outdated satellites with newer, more advanced models, allowing operators to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies. This approach supports shorter satellite lifecycles, enabling the use of smaller, more efficient spacecraft that are less expensive to build and launch. Frequent updates also ensure that satellite constellations remain at the forefront of technological advancements, offering better performance and lower operational costs over time.
• Space Debris Mitigation: Deorbiting eliminates the threat posed by space debris, ensuring that defunct spacecraft don't remain in orbit as potential collision hazards.
• Safety: By safely guiding a satellite back into Earth's atmosphere, operators can avoid the long-term risk of uncontrolled reentry or impact with other space assets.
• Compliance with Regulations: International space agencies and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter guidelines on debris mitigation. Deorbiting aligns with these regulations and helps maintain the long-term sustainability of space.

 

Challenges of Deorbiting:

• Waste of Resources: Deorbiting ends the useful life of a satellite that could otherwise continue to serve a purpose if refueled or repurposed. In many cases, these satellites still have functional hardware but lack the fuel to operate.
• Costs of Deorbiting: Although deorbiting avoids the risks of space debris, it can be costly, requiring additional fuel reserves or dedicated deorbiting missions to safely remove the satellite from orbit.
• Lost Opportunities: As commercial space activities expand, the deorbiting of satellites represents missed opportunities for space-based businesses. These assets could potentially be used in new ways if alternative servicing strategies were available.

 

THE MIDDLE GROUND: The Rise of In-Orbit Servicing

One notable trend in the debate is the emergence of in-orbit servicing, a field that promises to offer more than just refueling. In-orbit servicing can include repairs, upgrades, and even relocation of satellites, allowing operators to maximize their investments and extend the life of their space assets. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Astroscale have already demonstrated successful missions to extend satellite operations through servicing missions. These innovations provide a compromise between the two extremes of refueling and deorbiting, offering a future where spacecraft can be serviced and repurposed without returning to Earth.

 

FUTURE OF SPACECRAFT MANAGEMENT: What’s Next?

The debate between refueling and deorbiting is far from over, but it is clear that both approaches have a critical role to play in space exploration and commercialization. Refueling offers the promise of extended satellite operations, cost savings, and sustainability, while deorbiting ensures the safety and cleanliness of space by removing defunct spacecraft. Together, these strategies—along with emerging in-orbit servicing technologies—create a balanced approach to sustainable space management. As we continue expanding into orbit, leveraging both methods will keep orbital pathways clear for future missions, enabling the space industry to evolve and innovate responsibly.

As space activity continues to grow, and as commercial operators and space agencies weigh their options, the future may hold a hybrid approach that leverages the best of both worlds. Whether through refueling, deorbiting, or in-orbit servicing, one thing is clear: sustainable space operations will require innovation, collaboration, and careful consideration of the unique challenges posed by life in orbit.

 

Join us in The Great Debate: Refueling vs. Deorbiting at SpaceCom

For those looking to dive deeper into the future of spacecraft management, join us at SpaceCom on January 29-30 for an in-depth session on this evolving debate.

 

Hear from leading experts, including:

• Daniel Faber, CEO of Orbit Fab
• Michael Madrid, Director of Strategic Relationships at Starfish Space
• Cameron Penny, Business Relations Lead at Kall Morris Inc (KMI)
• Joe Pawelski, CTO of CisLunar Industries
• Sean Lewis, Space Logistics and Robotics Deputy Lead at the Air Force Research Lab

More Sessions:

Additionally, the Space Mobility Conference on January 28 will feature sessions on the Department of Defense’s investments in on-orbit maintenance, satellite refueling, and enhancing mobility. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how these cutting-edge technologies are shaping the future of space operations.

 

 

Article posted on LinkedIn.