Docking

Physically connect/disconnect two satellites (e.g, through a dedicated interface or by using another component in order to provide a secure physical connection)

Applications enabled by this capability

• Salvage

  Repurposing of defunct or damaged satellites

• Active Debris Removal

  Capture and removal of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other space debris from orbit

• Recycling

  Converting waste into re-usable material

• Resupply

  Provision of goods to a orbital client

• Refuelling

  Refuelling a prepared satellite

• Upgrade

  Physical In-orbit improvements to a satellite's performance or functionality

• Relocation

  One-off adjustment of a satellite's orbit (e.g. inclination change)

• AOCS Takeover

  Ongoing management of a satellite's orbit and attitude (i.e. stationkeeping)

• Graveyard Orbit Transfer

  Transfer of satellite to graveyard orbit via external servicer (rather than as part of usual decommissioning operations using spacecraft's own fuel reserves)

• Repair

  In-orbit restoration of a faulty satellite to its nominal operational state, including replacement of subsystems