The Orbit Fab company aims to build space fuel stations in the hope that the refueling technology will create momentum for the satellite industry to develop further.
The solar panels that satellites are normally equipped with can generate electricity for devices like cameras or radios, but cannot help the satellite adjust its position in orbit, according to Daniel Faber, co-founder of Orbit Tab. .2018. track, experts must constantly use fuel to adjust their positions. Therefore, the lifetime of satellites is limited by the amount of fuel they carry.
Illustration of a satellite operating in low earth orbit.
Illustration of a satellite operating in low earth orbit. (Photo: Space).
Orbit Fab plans to launch large tanks into orbit, each of which can hold several tons of fuel, AFP April 27 was reported. Smaller, more maneuverable ships would then shuttle back and forth between the tank and the satellite to refuel.
Like cars, satellites that wish to receive additional thruster from the Orbit Fab need a compatible fuel port. About 200 to 250 satellites have been designed to use the company’s system, Aber says. This is a potential market as up to 24,500 satellites are expected to be launched during the period 2022 – 2031.
Orsit Fab has launched a storage tank into orbit and plans to conduct refueling tests in the near future. In 2019, the company demonstrated the feasibility of the system with a water transfer test on the International Space Station (ƖSS).
The company intends to launch just a few tankers into geostationary orbit, where satellites mostly fly in a single plane around the equator at an altitude of around 36,000 km. Meanwhile, satellites in low earth orbit have many different orbits and will need more fuel ships.
Some of the benefits of in-orbit refueling are that it helps reduce the weight of the satellite at launch by reducing fuel, which makes the satellite more useful in the long run by extending its lifespan.
Besides refueling, many companies are also looking at other ways to maintain satellites. According to Faber, about 130 companies have recently entered the field. For example, developing tugs to reach and repair faulty satellites.
Apart from satellites, Orbit Fab also aims to service private space stations. The company is also interested in the market on and around the Moon, not focusing on mining materials, but converting them into propellants and delivering them to customers.
Article source: VnExpress
If anything is wrong with US companies offering to build a series of “gas stations” in space with the item, or if it is incorrect, please contact us so we can fix it.
Keyword:
The Orbit Fab company aims to build space fuel stations in the hope that the refueling technology will create momentum for the satellite industry to develop further.
