Northrop Grumman selected for in-space demo of refueling technologies

The United States Space Force (USSF) awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) two national security contracts, including a technology demonstration for in-space refueling—these contracts build on Northrop Grumman’s proven, on-orbit satellite servicing and refueling innovation, including first-of-its-kind mission extension services that protect critical space assets in geosynchronous orbit for both U.S. government and commercial partners.

*Northrop Grumman’s GAS-T design will leverage an ESPAStar-D satellite platform to add fuel and extend the life of in-orbit assets. (Image credit: Northrop Grumman)*

Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded Northrop Grumman a contract for the Elixir refueling payload program, which will enable the Space Force to refine tactics and procedures for rendezvous and proximity operations, docking, refueling, and undocking of on-orbit vehicles – foundational capabilities for servicing, mobility and logistics.
Under the Elixir program contract, the company will design, build and integrate a refueling payload onto a space vehicle and demonstrate refueling with a demonstration client satellite.
Under a separate contract, Northrop Grumman has been awarded a multi-unit award of four of the company’s proven ESPAStar spacecraft, one of which will host the refueling demonstration payload on its ride to space.

*The platform is optimized for GEO missions, but is also adaptable for LEO and MEO missions.* *Image is courtesy of Northrop Grumman.*

The USSF has made a multi-unit ESPAStar purchase, underscoring the increasing demand for rideshare vehicles and rapid access to space. Since its first award in 2016, the ESPAStar product line has provided proven and reliable capability. Each upgraded bus can hold more than 330kg of payload mass on each of its six ports, providing additional mass-to-orbit.

The Elixir program includes elements to successfully perform rendezvous and proximity operations, dock and undock with a demonstration client satellite, to transfer and receive fuel. The refueling payload will be equipped with the company’s Active Refueling Module (ARM), which interfaces with Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) for the transfer and receipt of fuel. Operational client satellites equipped with PRMs will benefit from this mature technology because they can be refueled.

In 2023, the company’s PRM was approved by SSC’s Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) as a refueling interface for consideration by SSC programs. Multiple PRM flight units are currently in production for the Space Force and will also be integrated onto Northrop Grumman’s next-generation satellite servicing vehicle, the Mission Robotic Vehicle.

The in-orbit demonstration will advance and validate the company’s on-orbit servicing and refueling technology – paving the way for fully operational refueling spacecraft in the future. These developments follow years of work by Northrop Grumman across commercial and U.S. government contracts to mature all elements of key refueling technologies and mission architecture.

Lauren Smith, program manager, in-space refueling, Northrop Grumman, said, “This technology will unlock new possibilities for dynamic space operations, providing the sustained maneuverability our customers need in a complex environment. To deliver this critical national security capability, our team will build on Northrop Grumman’s in-space servicing success and trailblaze new refueling solutions to meet mission needs.”

Matt Verock, vice president, space security systems, Northrop Grumman, said, “Northrop Grumman’s refueling capabilities are pioneering the next generation of satellite technology. The ability to refuel on orbit will have a direct impact on the success of our nation’s most important missions – allowing warfighters to continue operating quickly and safely.”