Three companies selected for the first phase of the project
D-Orbit, Firefly Aerospace and Katalyst Space have received contracts from U.S. defense agencies to design systems capable of capturing satellites that are no longer operational and safely bringing them down from orbit.
The initiative is part of the “Deorbit-as-a-Service” program, which aims to create a commercial solution that the U.S. government can access on demand without having to own and permanently operate its own spacecraft.
The goal is to launch a prototype vehicle in 2028 and begin providing the first services for removing obsolete satellites from orbit.
Initial contracts worth $8.4 million
The agreements awarded during this phase have a combined value of approximately $8.4 million. The funding will cover the preparation of preliminary designs, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The contracts also include options for additional work. In D-Orbit’s case, the potential value of the agreement could reach $24 million.
The proposed systems will be assessed according to their technological maturity, mission concept, schedule and affordability. Officials will then decide which solution will advance to a full on-orbit demonstration.
Earth’s low orbit is becoming increasingly crowded
The program comes as the number of satellites operating in low Earth orbit continues to rise. Governments and private companies are deploying large constellations for internet connectivity, remote sensing and missile detection and tracking.
Many of these networks consist of hundreds or even thousands of relatively small, low-cost satellites. Their operational lifespan is generally around five years.
Once their missions end — or if they suffer a technical failure — the satellites may remain in orbit and become hazardous obstacles. They reduce the maneuvering space available to other spacecraft, increase the risk of collisions and undermine the resilience of space-based infrastructure.
From orbital cleanup to potential military applications
Vehicles developed to capture and move satellites could also have military uses. They could relocate a spacecraft to an orbit where it can no longer perform its mission, disable it or, in certain circumstances, destroy it.
U.S. officials have repeatedly pointed to China’s SJ-21 satellite as an example of the strategic concerns surrounding such capabilities. In 2022, the spacecraft towed a defunct Chinese satellite from geostationary orbit to a disposal orbit. The ability to conduct such operations is considered potentially relevant to the development of antisatellite weapons.
Washington seeks to broaden the commercial supplier base
The new contracts are intended to expand the number of companies capable of providing satellite-removal services and other forms of orbital logistics.
In January, U.S. authorities awarded Starfish Space a $52.5 million contract. The company is expected to use its Otter spacecraft to safely dispose of expired satellites incorporated into the future U.S. military network for communications, missile warning and launch tracking.
The company estimated that its first vehicle for this mission could be launched next year.
Different solutions to the same orbital challenge
The three selected companies are pursuing different approaches, but all are developing vehicles designed to rendezvous with satellites, capture them and move them. Some of the systems could also provide additional services, including refueling, inspection and repairs for spacecraft that were not originally designed to support in-orbit maintenance.
Katalyst Space is developing the NEXUS spacecraft, which is intended to perform multiple types of missions. The company already holds a NASA contract to raise the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to a higher orbit.
D-Orbit says a successful demonstration could pave the way for additional low Earth orbit logistics missions, including satellite refueling, repairs, inspections and repositioning.
Firefly Aerospace, meanwhile, says its Elytra vehicles will be able to deorbit satellites of widely varying sizes and configurations. The company believes such systems could help address the growing challenge posed by space debris.
