Review of On-Orbit Servicing Considerations for Low-Earth Orbit Constellations

Abstract

The field of on-orbit servicing (OOS) has matured to a viable industry through the progression of many technological milestones over the last several decades. Starting from the first orbital rendezvous of Gemini 6 in 1965 to Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle successful reposition of Intelsat 901 in 2020, the scientific and engineering achievements have enabled a promising new capability in space. This OOS capability enables higher flexibility, risk reduction, and new expanded system architectures. More recently, the space industry is rapidly deploying a high number of satellites in proliferated low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations at orders of magnitude not seen before. This paper will review enabling technologies, upcoming OOS programs, emerging proliferated constellations, and orbital environmental conditions that enable OOS for potential future clients in LEO. These environmental conditions consist of LEO orbit sensitivities, orbital maneuvers, J2 earth oblateness, and propulsion considerations.