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The illustration of the artist of Astroscal APS-R-tank spaceship high above the earth. | Credit: Astroscale
The US arm of on-orbit services and logistics company Astrosroscale will try to recharge your batteries in a daring and complex mission that is planned for 2026.
The mission, which was announced on Tuesday (April 8th) at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs SpaceAstroscale said in a statement.
The start is planned for the summer of 2026. Astroscales 660 pound (300 kilograms) APS-R-tank spacecraft Geostationary belt (Geo), around 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) over earth equator.
Positioned something above the geo and aims at one of two US Space Force Tetra-5 Satellite It will start next year and try to dock with the spaceship. The tanker then transfers the hydrazine lift from a refillable tank in the target satellites.
Related: Wow! Private space junk probe grabs historical photo of thrown away rocket in circulation
Both spaceships will run around 6,870 km / h (11,050 km / h) in orbit to request exquisite instructions, drive and sensor systems in order to safely approach and dock.
This is not all yet. The mission includes a partnership with startup Orbit fab. The Tetra-5 satellites carry the rapidly attached liquid transmission interface (RAFTI) from Orbit FAB, which facilitates the refueling. After APS-R docked a Tetra-5 spaceship with a Tetra-5 spaceship, scan to LECKS and then go to an orbit fab fuel depot to collect more lifting agents. APS-R will then travel to a second that has not currently been announced for another rendezvous, docking and tank test.
“We change the reality of what is possible,” said Ron Lopez, President of Astroscale Us, in the opinion. “This mission proves that in-room logistics do not have to be removed for years. We are a focused team with one goal: delivery and operating of an operational prototype space for space for space.”
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Astroscale also makes progress in removing active debris with the Adras-J-orbit inspection mission, which last year last year rose near a used rocket stage. The company also started Elsa-D Mission in 2021.
Astroscales APS-R tanker is not the first spaceship that tries to dock and extend the life of another spacecraft. Northrop Grumman has tested life services for satellites with its Mission Extension Vehicle-1 And Mission Extension Vehicle-2 Flights in recent years. China now started his own Shijian 25 Test the spaceship in January.
Such missions could lead to a change in the way, how satellites are designed, e.g. This could lead to extended missions and help to reduce Space waste.
