KARI proposes microsat refuelling demonstrator for VLEO

(SpaceEnergy) Korea Aerospace Research Institute has proposed a microsatellite flight demonstrator to validate technologies needed to refuel large spacecraft operating in very low Earth orbit.

The concept targets future 2,000kg-class imaging satellites operating in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), where atmospheric drag can require substantial propellant to maintain altitude over missions lasting seven years or longer.

KARI researcher Gyusun Kim estimates that extending the life of such spacecraft could require transferring around 500kg of propellant in orbit. Existing demonstrations have generally focused on geosynchronous spacecraft or comparatively small propellant transfers in low Earth orbit.

Rather than initially building full-scale servicing and client spacecraft, the proposed microsatellite demonstrator would validate technologies including mission operations, proximity operations and refuelling connection hardware.

The approach is intended to raise the readiness of refuelling technologies before their use on larger operational satellites and reduce the cost of demonstrating the required systems in orbit.

The research was published through the Small Satellite Conference repository for presentation in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 26 August.