Orbit Fab has been awarded up to $3.8 million by the UK Space Agency and ESA to lead the first stage of the ASTRAL programme, building a European consortium to demonstrate in‑orbit xenon refuelling for electric‑propulsion satellites. The funding supports a technology demonstrator and partner integration work.
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Orbit Fab secured up to $3.8 million from the UK Space Agency and ESA to lead ASTRAL’s first stage, funding a European consortium and a xenon in‑orbit refuelling demonstrator that targets electric‑propulsion satellite servicing.
On‑orbit xenon refuelling directly affects satellite longevity, mission design and economics, reinforcing conclusions in Orion Space Solutions’ analysis of how refuelling reshapes satellite business models: https://hype.aero/?story=097f01b4-41c9-45a5-b7a5-b7a5bd17b792
The award complements recent European ecosystem moves — including Infinite Orbits’ expansion funding and SES’ commercial GEO life‑extension plan — indicating growing commercial and institutional support for on‑orbit servicing capabilities: https://hype.aero/?story=3afd28b0-3d3a-4462-a38f-632a8c753e77 and https://hype.aero/?story=6db7ab02-8644-4a37-86ce-e6597ef58f87
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