Space

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Space propulsion, satellite servicing, launch systems, in-space manufacturing, debris regulation

12Sources
3Concepts
3Entities
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TitleTypeAuthorDateKey Contribution
Trends in Flight-Operated Small-Satellite Propulsion TechnologiesPaperMDPI Applied SciencesMar 2026Systematic review of flight-operated small-satellite propulsion systems
Orbital debris requires prevention and mitigation across the satellite life cyclePaperNature Communications EngineeringMar 2025Lifecycle framework for debris mitigation — prevention at design, collision avoidance in ops, post-mission disposal, and active removal
Numerical Modeling of Liquid Propellant Mass Transfer with Sloshing during On-Orbit RefuelingPaperIEEEMay 2024Models UDMH liquid propellant sloshing dynamics during chaser-target docking for on-orbit refueling
State-of-the-art review of metal in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) technologiesPaperScienceDirectMar 2026Comprehensive review of metal ISAM approaches — PBF and DED dominate, but friction stir methods offer better robustness in space
Orbit Fab + Astroscale: First Satellite Refueling in Geostationary OrbitTech ReportUniverse MagazineJan 2026First commercial GEO satellite refueling, June 2026; SpaceX orbital fuel transfer
SpaceX Starship Propellant Transfer DemoTech ReportJan 1970Ship-to-ship docking + propellant transfer. Block 2 insulation/vacuum jacketing. Two launches, 3-4 weeks apart. Critical for Artemis HLS (~10 tanker launches needed).
In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) State of Play 2025 EditionTech ReportNASAJan 2025Official NASA ISAM roadmap — catalogs active programs, technology gaps, and near-term demo missions
ESA Zero Debris Policy and RequirementsTech ReportESANov 2023Mandates 5-year post-mission disposal (down from 25), 90% success probability, servicing interfaces for ADR capability
ORBITS Act of 2025 (S.1898) — Orbital Sustainability ActAnalysisSenators Cantwell, Hickenlooper, Lummis, WickerMay 2025First US legislation authorizing $150M for active debris removal demos (FY2026-2030)
Japan Active Debris Removal Framework and JAXA CRD2 ProgramAnalysisOrbital Today / JAXAAug 2025Japan developing first international ADR legal framework for COPUOS 2026; JAXA/Astroscale CRD2 demo on track for 2027
SpaceX 2026 Starship MilestonesNewsJan 1970Moon landing tests, Mars transfer window, orbital refueling scale-up
Space Force Satellite Refueling Demos 2026 and 2028NewsAir & Space Forces MagazineApr 2025$118.8M in contracts for first government-funded satellite refueling: Astroscale APS-R (2026) + Northrop Elixir (2028)
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