Autonomous Spacecraft Technology for Repair Operations, Lifespan Improvement and Flight Testing

Cel

Satellites are the backbone of our communication system, with over 5,500 satellites carrying signals across the world. However, once satellites reach orbit, there is no way to inspect, upgrade or repair them. D-Orbit presents GEA, a disruptive spacecraft to be operated in geostationary orbit for in-orbit servicing (IOS) of commercial satellites. The spacecraft will be equipped with a robotic arm with 7 degrees-of-freedom and 3 mm accuracy. GEA also includes electric propulsion, navigation and altitude control subsystems specifically designed to capture and maneuver customer satellites. Thanks to this innovation, D-ORBIT will provide diverse IOS such as life extension and orbital relocation. Satellite operators will be able to extend the life of their satellites by up to 3 extra years (25-50% of the current lifetime, but the extension can go up to 7 years with GEA), achieving extra revenues with their existing assets of €20M per year. We target to capture up to 25% of the serviceable 33 GEO satellites with end of life in 2027-2030 for the initial service offering that would provide us with over €530 million in cumulative revenues by 2030 from IOS. Nonetheless, we are unable to fund this risky deeptech innovation from private investment in the current market landscape. Therefore, we request this funding from the EIC for the ASTROLIFT project, in the form of €2.5M in Grant and €15M in Equity.