Polish Companies will develop Satellite Refuelling Technology

In-orbit refuelling capability is extremely important for future space exploration. It will bring significant savings, by reducing the costs associated with having to replace satellites with new ones, and will further support more sustainable ways of designing mission and reduce the number of deorbit satellites. The technology can be applied to new generations of satellites as well as to current models that were not originally designed for in-orbit refuelling.

Currently, there is no European standard for refuelling new satellites the project involves the development of a comprehensive roadmap for an in-orbit refuelling service. It includes the development of all necessary technologies and components, such as proximity operations, docking (also developed by PIAP Space), servicing operations, and disconnection. Therefore, the project will develop docking systems with non-responsive objects, service grippers, as well as robotic arm control systems for precise in-orbit operations. In addition, in-orbit manipulation and fuel transfer technologies will be developed, which will significantly increase service capabilities in space. 

The INORT project is being implemented in collaboration with two centers from the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation. The Space Technology Center is responsible for developing refuelling technologies, including mechanical connectors and procedures for propellant transfer. Meanwhile, the Unmanned Technology Center focuses on the energy aspects of the servicing mission, the development of optoelectronic sensors required for satellite localization, and the maneuvers involved in docking and post-docking control. 

PIAP Space has been developing robotic solutions for the space industry since 2017. Among other achievements, in 2022, the company's engineers built a prototype chassis for the Sample Fetch Rover (SFR) as part of the NASA-ESA Mars Sample Return mission, which aims to deliver rock samples from the Red Planet to Earth. PIAP Space is also the prime contractor for the European Space Agency's advanced robotic arm project, TITAN, which is dedicated to precise orbital operations. In January 2024, the company announced that its prototype robotic arm model (breadboard) is being tested for integration into ESA's ARGONAUT lander project, where it will be responsible for safely transporting cargo from the lander to the Moon's surface. This will enable ESA to perform tasks such as manned missions, equipment and material transportation, and autonomous lunar exploration. Recently, PIAP Space also concluded the ORBITA project, aimed at enhancing the utility and efficiency of satellite servicing by introducing specialized robotic grippers designed for in-orbit manipulation. 

The Łukasiewicz - Institute of Aviation is one of Europe's largest research institutions and the leading aviation research center in Poland. The Institute has been conducting research in aerospace and space technologies for nearly 100 years. Its engineers have collaborated with the world's largest satellite integrators and organizations developing and manufacturing rockets for satellite launches. The Institute has developed many groundbreaking aerospace technologies. In late June and early July, engineers from the Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation successfully completed an international launch campaign, preparing the Polish suborbital rocket ILR-33 BURSZTYN 2K for space flight. The launch, conducted on July 3, 2024, from the Andøya Space Sub-Orbital in Norway, reached an altitude of 101 km. 

For more information about the project, visit: www.piap.space.