ClearSpace and Eutelsat sign agreement on satellite propulsion services

(SpaceEnergy) ClearSpace and Eutelsat have signed a term sheet to advance satellite life-extension services using a servicing spacecraft designed to provide propulsion and attitude control to ageing geostationary satellites.

The Luxembourg-based spacecraft servicing developer announced the agreement on 21 October, establishing a framework for technical, operational and commercial cooperation on its Phoenix mission.

Eutelsat will contribute satellite-operator expertise to the development of service requirements, mission design and demonstration planning.

The agreement also provides a basis for potentially using an Eutelsat satellite in the orbital demonstration, subject to a further agreement.

Phoenix is being developed to rendezvous and dock with operational satellites in geostationary orbit, supplying propulsion and attitude-control capabilities that could extend their service lives.

By taking over station-keeping and repositioning functions, the servicing spacecraft could allow operators to continue using satellites whose remaining onboard propellant would otherwise constrain their operations.

The broader Phoenix development programme is estimated at approximately €100 million.

The European Space Agency is supporting development through its Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme, following earlier Luxembourg government support.

ClearSpace signed a separate ESA development contract in September 2026. The latest agreement introduces a satellite operator into the programme's commercial and demonstration planning.

The first Phoenix demonstration mission is targeted for 2030.

Neither company disclosed the term sheet's financial value, a selected demonstration satellite or a binding commercial servicing contract.