For its latest Hyperspace Challenge accelerator, the U.S. Space Force selected three startups specializing in satellite propulsion, picks reflecting the military’s growing interest in nimble satellites that can maneuver to outplay adversaries.
This marks a shift for the Pentagon, which traditionally has launched satellites into orbit and restricted their movements to conserve fuel. But with rivals fielding maneuverable spacecraft, U.S. officials are calling for a shift to “dynamic space operations,” enabled by autonomous refueling and other in-orbit services.
“Having the ability to refuel would really open new possibilities,” said John Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy. He said the Pentagon is encouraged to see commercial companies developing technologies for in-orbit logistics that also have significant utility for the military.
Maneuvering satellites and refueling support would give the military options to better defend its assets in space, said Col. Greg Hoffman, senior materiel leader at the Space Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office.
“Traditionally, we focused on positional operations where a satellite is launched, put into an orbital slot, and largely stays there,” he said. U.S. adversaries are now deploying satellites that can maneuver and rendezvous with other objects, which puts the U.S. at a disadvantage.
While refueling wasn’t a priority before, mobility and logistics are now a “hugely important area for our combatant commanders,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Space Systems Command’s program executive officer for assured access to space.
“We hear a lot from U.S. Space Command on the need to be able to maneuver without regret and the importance of dynamic space operations,” she said. “But none of that can happen unless we are investing in and operationalizing these capabilities.”
Panzenhagen oversees a new…
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