Imagine a tow truck and a mechanic combined into one robot that can fly to a satellite in deep space. Instead of letting a multi-million dollar satellite become useless junk when it runs out of fuel, this robot grabs it and takes over the steering. It acts like a life-support system, keeping the satellite working for several more years.
GEO satellites costing up to €400 million are abandoned once fuel runs out or components fail, leading to massive revenue loss and orbital debris.
A disruptive in-orbit servicing spacecraft (GEA) featuring a 7-degree-of-freedom robotic arm and torque-controlled joints for satellite capture and maneuvering.
If you are a GEO satellite operator dealing with assets nearing their end of life — this project developed the GEA spacecraft that can extend satellite life by up to 7 years. This allows you to continue generating revenues without launching a new satellite costing up to €400 million.
If you are a debris management firm dealing with the 370 GEO satellites reaching end-of-life between 2026-2041 — this project developed a capture mechanism and robotic arm to relocate satellites to graveyard orbits.
If you are a space agency dealing with the high cost of replacing critical infrastructure — this project developed an in-orbit servicing tool that can provide life extension and orbital relocation for existing assets.
Based on available project data, operators can achieve extra revenues with their existing assets of €20M per year by extending the satellite's life.
D-Orbit targets to capture up to 25% of the 33 serviceable GEO satellites reaching end-of-life between 2027-2030.
The project focuses on a torque-controlled robotic joint and a 7 degrees-of-freedom robotic arm with 3 mm accuracy.
The project aims to generate cumulative revenues from in-orbit servicing by 2030.
The GEA spacecraft is designed to be compatible with most GEO satellites currently in orbit using a specialized capture mechanism and LiDAR sensors.
The project is led by a single industrial partner, D-ORBIT SPA, an Italian company. With a 100% industry ratio and no university or research partners, the project is heavily driven by commercial application and direct market entry rather than academic exploration.
Contact D-ORBIT SPA in Italy regarding their GEA spacecraft development
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