In-Orbit Servicing of a satellite

Artist impression of Telespazio’s START-€ servicing spacecraft (gold, left) attached to a satellite (white, right) orbiting Earth. Telespazio works together with Thales Alenia Space, together forming the Space Alliance.

START-€ targets satellites in geostationary orbit, staying attached to the target satellite and adjusting its position and orbit as needed. The service could include moving the satellite at the end of its life to the so-called ‘graveyard orbit’. START-€ could deliver up to 14 years of life extension (assuming satellite mass < 1500 kg) before moving to the next customer satellite.

Click here to find out more about how ESA is working with industry partners to make In-Orbit Servicing a reality.