Astroscale U.S. Refueler (APS-R)

Overview

Roughly 300 kg refueling spacecraft that transfers hydrazine to satellites in geostationary orbit, and refuels itself from an Orbit Fab propellant depot so it can service more than one client per mission.

Contracted under a Space Force agreement (about $25.5M in government funding plus roughly $12M from Astroscale) to perform the first-ever refueling of a United States Space Force asset, flying as part of the USSF-23 mission alongside an Orbit Fab propellant depot and a Starfish Space servicing tug. Q1 materials said correlation vibration tests were complete and environmental tests were due to start in September 2026, still aimed at launch during the fiscal year ending April 2027.

Key Specs

Spacecraft Mass

~300 kg

Contract Value

~$25.5M in Space Force funding plus ~$12M from Astroscale U.S.

Clients Per Mission

AFRL Tetra-5 spacecraft, refueled twice, plus a depot refuel of itself

Propellant Transferred

Hydrazine, in geostationary orbit