Relative Navigation

Precisely track a satellite's position and velocities with respect to that of another object in close proximity

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

• Resupply

  Provision of goods to a orbital client

• Refuelling

  Refuelling a prepared satellite

• Small-Scale Assembly

  Assembly of satellites or subsystems

• Upgrade

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

• Large-Scale Assembly

  Assembly of structures exceeding the size of current launch capabilities

• 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)

• Inspection

  Remote inspection of a satellite by another satellite, by acquiring data or images, or remotely exchanging data in order to assess the conditions of the space system

• 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