Passive Refueling Module News Today

In a first-of-its-kind mission, Starfish Space will attach a "jetpack"-like satellite to a U.S. military satellite to give it two years of additional propulsion and maneuverability.

The company's RAFTI port is designed to be installed on satellites to allow them to receive propellant either in space or on the ground before launch.

The U.S. Space Force wants industry to invest in on-orbit refueling, but companies say they need standards first.

US Space Force's Vision: Orbital Filling Stations to Extend Satellite Lifespan - Industry Tap

U.S. Space Force is looking for new ways to extend the life of satellites that are out of fuel, including small "backpacks" that can attach to existing spacecraft in orbit.

Space News from SpaceDaily.Com brings the space industry professional daily news from the frontier, with contract, bid, launch and on-orbit satellite news as it happens.

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 06, 2024 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has achieved a significant milestone in space technology by having its Passive Refueling Module (PRM) selected as the first preferred refueling solution inte

Northrop Grumman on Monday said its Passive Refueling Module (PRM) has been selected by Space Systems Command (SSC) as the first refueling interface

"People need to have a realistic expectation of the demand signal," said Col. Joyce Bulson, who heads Space Systems Command's servicing, mobility and logistics program, stressing that the service is "looking to leverage commercial services to the maximum extent possible, so we're not looking for a significant government investment in bringing these capabilities to bear." 

Northrop Grumman has been working the Space Systems Command, DARPA and the Defense Innovation Unit to develop the capabilities to refuel and service satellites on orbit under several different study efforts.