The UK Space Agency has awarded a major project grant of £1.3 million to Orbit Fab under the National Space Innovation Programme, marking a significant step towards pioneering sustainable space operations.
This funding will support the development of a high-pressure variant of the RAFTI (Rapidly Attachable Fuel Transfer Interface) refueling port, which is expected to come to market in 2025.
This new technology will facilitate refueling of pressurized fuels such as Xenon, reduce dependence on single-use satellites and promote more sustainable practices in space. Orbit Fab has also secured additional contracts, including £165,000 from the European Space Agency (ESA) through City University London and £500,000 for the initial design phase of a mission to fuel a future UK Active Debris Removal spacecraft.
The “UKRefuel” mission, a collaboration with ClearSpace and Astroscale, aims to launch a satellite refueling service to Low Earth Orbit by 2027. This initiative follows Orbit Fab’s commitment to the ESA Zero Debris Charter and highlights their commitment to sustainable space operations and responsible refueling.
Daniel Faber, CEO and co-founder of Orbit Fab, said: “Expanding our UK office and starting these new projects is an important milestone for Orbit Fab. With the support of the UK Space Agency and our partners, we are strengthening the UK’s space capabilities and setting new standards for sustainable space operations. Our UK and US offices are working together to pave the way for a future where orbital refueling is standard practice, driving a vibrant space economy and ensuring a more sustainable space environment.”
Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, added: “The National Space Innovation Program will help boost growth, create high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations. New projects, such as this one led by Orbit Fab, go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports breakthrough innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and returns the benefits of space to the citizens of Earth.”
In addition to the RAFTI development, Orbit Fab is collaborating on two other projects under the National Space Innovation Program. These include working with Magdrive on an expendable solid fuel cartridge for Magdrive’s propulsion system and with Lunasa on sensors for safe rendezvous and proximity operations in orbit.
After a year of substantial growth, Orbit Fab has tripled its UK workforce to 15 employees and plans to open a new office in Harwell, Oxfordshire. This expansion will support the continued development and operation of orbital refueling services, which are essential to national security, telecommunications, Earth observation and scientific missions in space.