The European Space Agency (ESA) is making significant strides toward sustainability in space with its inaugural in-orbit servicing mission, RISE. A €119 million contract has been awarded to D-Orbit, which will act as the prime contractor for this commercial mission.
Mission Overview.
RISE aims to demonstrate the capability to rendezvous with and dock to geostationary satellites. Following the successful demonstration, D-Orbit plans to offer commercial life extension services for these satellites, enhancing their operational longevity.
This initiative is a pivotal step in ESA’s efforts to promote in-orbit services, including refueling, refurbishment, and assembly—key components for establishing a circular economy in space.
Addressing Space Debris.
ESA’s commitment to a sustainable space environment is underscored by its Space Safety program, which focuses on reducing space debris. The agency aims to develop missions that prevent the generation of new debris by 2030. Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General, emphasizes that in-orbit servicing will extend satellite lifetimes, allowing operators to maximize data and revenue from existing assets.
The collaboration with D-Orbit highlights ESA’s dedication to positioning Europe as a leader in space sustainability by investing in essential in-orbit servicing capabilities.
The RISE Mission Lifecycle.
Scheduled to launch in 2028, RISE will start by moving to a staging orbit just above the geostationary belt, approximately 36,000 km above Earth. After comprehensive testing and rehearsals, the spacecraft will demonstrate its docking capability in a so-called “graveyard orbit,” where retired satellites are parked.
During the mission, RISE will latch onto client satellites—initially those running low on fuel or experiencing partial failures—allowing them to continue their operations. This capability opens the door for various future services, such as refueling and refurbishment, contributing to a more sustainable approach to space management.
Technological Innovations.
Building RISE involves advanced technology, including robotic systems and precision sensors to facilitate docking maneuvers. Weighing about 3,000 kg at launch, RISE will feature cutting-edge equipment designed to manage the challenges of in-orbit operations.
This mission marks a milestone as the first in-orbit servicing project constructed and operated by a European company, reinforcing Europe’s competitive edge in the evolving market of space services.
Future Prospects.
Andrew Wolahan, RISE Project Manager at ESA, envisions a future where in-orbit servicing becomes routine. “We aim to provide a range of services that will keep satellites operational, similar to what we expect from our vehicles on Earth,” he states.
As ESA and D-Orbit embark on this groundbreaking mission, the prospects for in-orbit servicing in Europe look bright, paving the way for enhanced satellite management and a cleaner, more sustainable space environment.
