Orbit Fab Introduces $30K Port for Satellite Refueling

Orbit Fab, a Colorado-based startup, aims to create “gas stations” for satellites by providing a mechanism for transferring propellant from an orbital tanker to customer spacecraft. The docking mechanism, named RAFTI, has been flight qualified and is now available on the market at a price of $30,000 per port.

CEO and co-founder Daniel Faber, who previously led Deep Space Industries (DSI), has been involved in the space industry for decades. DSI, founded in 2012 and acquired by Bradford Space in 2019, focused on asteroid mining technology. Faber’s experience with satellite thrusters for orbital maneuvering and discussions with colleagues and customers led him to recognize the potential for in-space refueling as a lucrative opportunity.

The economic viability of in-space refueling is evident in the potential revenue it could generate for satellite missions. Faber noted that even an additional kilogram of propellant could yield up to $1 million in marginal revenue for satellite missions, making in-space refueling an attractive prospect for the industry.

Orbit Fab’s vision aligns with the evolving landscape of satellite servicing companies that emerged in the 2010s, such as Astroscale, focusing on space debris removal, satellite life extension, and last-mile satellite delivery. Faber refers to these capabilities as “tow truck applications” and recognized the need for orbital gas stations to complement this growing fleet.

The company’s inception stemmed from this realization, leading to the founding of Orbit Fab. Within its first year of operation, Orbit Fab secured a $6 million seed round, with investments from Bolt and Munich Re Ventures, the venture capital arm of Munich Re Group—one of the largest underwriters of satellites and rockets. In 2023, the company further solidified its position with a $28.5 million Series A round, indicating growing confidence and support for its innovative approach in the space industry.