Space
Space propulsion, satellite servicing, launch systems, in-space manufacturing, debris regulation
Trends in Flight-Operated Small-Satellite Propulsion Technologies
Systematic review of flight-operated small-satellite propulsion systems
Orbital debris requires prevention and mitigation across the satellite life cycle
Lifecycle 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 Refueling
Models 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) technologies
Comprehensive review of metal ISAM approaches — PBF and DED dominate, but friction stir methods offer better robustness in space
Progression of Satellite Refueling and Repositioning Technologies Through a Client–Servicer Perspective
Peer-reviewed TRL progression framework for refueling from client and servicer perspectives; 30–39% lifetime extension, ~$280k/kg fuel cost benchmarks
Orbit Fab + Astroscale: First Satellite Refueling in Geostationary Orbit
First commercial GEO satellite refueling, June 2026; SpaceX orbital fuel transfer
SpaceX Starship Propellant Transfer Demo
Ship-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 Edition
Official NASA ISAM roadmap — catalogs active programs, technology gaps, and near-term demo missions
ESA Zero Debris Policy and Requirements
Mandates 5-year post-mission disposal (down from 25), 90% success probability, servicing interfaces for ADR capability
GAO Report: In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (GAO-25-107555)
Official US GAO audit of in-space servicing programs — gaps in DoD/NASA coordination, funding landscape, and recommendations for commercialization
ORBITS Act of 2025 (S.1898) — Orbital Sustainability Act
First US legislation authorizing $150M for active debris removal demos (FY2026-2030)
Japan Active Debris Removal Framework and JAXA CRD2 Program
Japan developing first international ADR legal framework for COPUOS 2026; JAXA/Astroscale CRD2 demo on track for 2027
The State of ISAM 2026
Industry-wide snapshot of ISAM maturity as of 2026 — who is operating, what is funded, and what milestones remain
SpaceX 2026 Starship Milestones
Moon landing tests, Mars transfer window, orbital refueling scale-up
Space Force Satellite Refueling Demos 2026 and 2028
$118.8M in contracts for first government-funded satellite refueling: Astroscale APS-R (2026) + Northrop Elixir (2028)