Orbit Fab is revolutionizing satellite operations with its innovative approach to in-space refueling. The Colorado-based startup, founded in 2018 by Daniel Faber, has developed RAFTI, a docking mechanism that allows for the transfer of propellant from an orbital tanker to customer spacecraft. Priced at just $30,000 per port, RAFTI is now flight-qualified and available on the market.
Faber, a veteran in the space industry with a background in leading Deep Space Industries (DSI), recognized the potential for in-space refueling after conversations with colleagues and customers. He saw that spacecraft could significantly increase their revenue by carrying just a kilogram of extra propellant, with potential marginal revenue reaching up to $1 million per mission.
The emergence of satellite servicing companies like Astroscale further reinforced the need for in-space refueling capabilities. Faber identified a growing demand for “orbital gas stations” to complement these services, leading to the founding of Orbit Fab.
What is Orbit Fab
Orbit Fab has secured funding from investors like Bolt and Munich Re Ventures, enabling the company to develop its technology and bring it to market. The company’s approach is straightforward: equip customer satellites with RAFTI before launch, allowing them to be refueled in orbit when needed. The company’s primary revenue streams are fuel sales and the sale of refueling ports.
Achieving flight qualification for RAFTI was a significant milestone for Orbit Fab, requiring years of meticulous design and testing to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. The company is now preparing to deploy its first RAFTIs on customer satellites, with plans to launch its first fuel shuttle in 2025 as part of a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Looking ahead, Orbit Fab aims to expand its offerings, potentially developing variants of RAFTI to support higher-pressure propellants and larger spacecraft. Faber sees Orbit Fab’s technology as a key enabler of satellite reusability, comparing its impact to SpaceX’s achievement in making rockets reusable.
In conclusion, Orbit Fab’s innovative approach to in-space refueling has the potential to transform satellite operations, making satellites more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable in the long run.
