Satellite-servicing enterprises are finally gaining momentum, propelled by both technological breakthroughs and the pioneering example set by Northrop Grumman. Luis Vidal, Starfish Space commercial geostationary business development director, acknowledged, "There is no shame in saying that we are riding on Northrop’s coattails. Northrop broke the suspension of disbelief that servicing can be done." The focus now shifts to the effectiveness and value of these services, as Vidal noted on Oct. 28 at the Satellite Innovation conference.
The DARPA Orbital Express mission in 2007 showcased autonomous propellant transfer and battery replacement. Vidal explained the initial slow adoption, "For a long time, there was a mismatch between the cost of providing these services and what the market was willing to pay." Early NASA Hubble Space Telescope repair missions cost hundreds of millions, making new satellite purchases more appealing than extending the life of older ones.
However, costs are decreasing as companies innovate with low-cost robotics, autonomous navigation, and advanced software. Investment is also increasing, driven by SpaceLogistics' successful business model. Since 2020, SpaceLogistics Mission Extension Vehicles have extended the lives of two Intelsat satellites. Andrew Kwas from Northrop Grumman announced the launch of the more advanced Mission Robotic Vehicle in early 2026.
Demand is further fueled by Astroscale, which has secured government contracts worldwide for satellite inspection, rendezvous, orbital debris removal, and refueling. Clare Martin, Astroscale U.S. executive vice president, stated, "We have missions in build around the world towards on-orbit servicing and, interestingly, across all of the sectors of the industry."
Starfish Space, having raised $29 million in 2024, is developing autonomous vehicles for life-extension and debris removal, aiming for "the lowest cost satellite-servicing architecture," according to Vidal. Sidus Space is also exploring multi-sensor refueling satellites. Patrick Butler, Sidus senior vice president, emphasized that these satellites will broaden the mission scope to lower servicing costs.