Story perspectives

US Space Force to Demo Satellite Refueling in 2027

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Space Force will launch multiple spacecraft to geostationary orbit in 2027 to demonstrate satellite refueling and docking services.
The USSF-23 mission will deploy Astroscale’s 300-kg Provisioner fuel-transfer vehicle, an Orbit Fab depot on an Impulse Space platform, and Starfish Space’s autonomous Otter tug.
Provisioner, funded by $25.5 million government and $12 million Astroscale money, will be supported by an Orbit Fab depot built under a $13.3 million Defense Innovation Unit contract.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Space Force will launch multiple spacecraft to geostationary orbit in 2027 to demonstrate satellite refueling and docking services.
The USSF-23 mission will deploy Astroscale’s 300-kg Provisioner fuel-transfer vehicle, an Orbit Fab depot on an Impulse Space platform, and Starfish Space’s autonomous Otter tug.
Provisioner, funded by $25.5 million government and $12 million Astroscale money, will be supported by an Orbit Fab depot built under a $13.3 million Defense Innovation Unit contract.