In a significant advancement for the space industry, the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a €119 million contract to the Italian startup D-Orbit for its pioneering in-orbit servicing mission, known as RISE. Scheduled to launch in 2028, RISE aims to revolutionize how aging satellites are managed in space, addressing a growing issue of space debris and extending the operational life of critical spacecraft.
The RISE Mission
The RISE mission is designed to perform complex maneuvers with an ESA satellite positioned in geostationary orbit. Once successfully rendezvoused, the RISE spacecraft will have the capability to detach from the satellite and commence an ambitious eight-year journey, during which it will visit multiple satellites to provide essential services. These include refueling, repairing, relocating satellites to different orbits, and even attaching a module that will take over propulsion and navigation tasks.
Andrew Wolahan, the project manager for RISE at ESA, emphasized the mission’s significance, stating, “As technology continues to develop, we want to move away from single-use, disposable satellites. We aim to extend satellites’ lifetimes and service them right where they are, in orbit around Earth.” This innovative approach aligns with broader goals of sustainability and efficiency in space operations.
D-Orbit’s Role in the Space Economy
D-Orbit, which has positioned itself as a leader in space logistics and satellite deployment, is making history as it embarks on this first mission of its kind for ESA. The spacecraft, comparable in size to a minivan, will serve as a “space mechanic,” addressing the vital need for maintaining and servicing satellites that are crucial for global telecommunications, weather monitoring, and scientific research.
The RISE mission’s inaugural client is likely to be a telecommunications satellite that, while running low on fuel, still holds significant capacity to connect users worldwide. If the mission proves successful, D-Orbit will become the first European company to demonstrate in-orbit servicing, marking a milestone in the evolution of space operations.
The Case for a Circular Economy in Space
The RISE mission highlights a critical shift in the mindset surrounding space management. Traditionally, satellites have been treated as single-use entities, with many being abandoned in orbit once they reach the end of their operational life. This approach has not only resulted in significant financial waste but has also contributed to the alarming rise of space debris.
Currently, there are over 34,000 pieces of space junk larger than 10 centimeters orbiting Earth, alongside approximately 6,500 operational satellites. As the number of satellites is projected to exceed 27,000 by the end of the decade, the risk of collisions escalates, posing threats to other spacecraft, space stations, and even to individuals on the ground. The potential for a “Kessler syndrome” scenario—where collisions lead to cascading space debris—remains a pressing concern.
The RISE mission aims to mitigate these risks by extending the operational life of satellites and ensuring their safe disposal at the end of their lifecycle. By adopting a circular economy model in space, where satellites can be serviced, reused, and safely decommissioned, D-Orbit and ESA are addressing not only operational efficiency but also environmental sustainability.
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
In addition to the RISE initiative, ESA is collaborating with Swiss startup ClearSpace on a mission specifically focused on debris removal. Scheduled for launch by 2026, the ClearSpace-1 mission aims to actively remove a piece of space debris from orbit, highlighting Europe’s commitment to a sustainable approach in space operations. Both the RISE and ClearSpace-1 missions underscore a collective effort to create a more responsible framework for space exploration and utilization.
These initiatives not only represent technological advancements but also signal a cultural shift within the space industry, where sustainability and responsible stewardship of outer space are becoming central tenets.
D-Orbit’s Recent Achievements
The announcement of the RISE contract follows D-Orbit’s successful closure of a €150 million Series C funding round, one of the largest fundraising efforts in the space sector this year. This influx of capital positions D-Orbit to further develop its technologies and expand its capabilities in satellite servicing and logistics. As the company continues to innovate, it is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of space operations.
Conclusion
The €119 million contract awarded to D-Orbit for the RISE mission marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of satellite servicing. With its ambitious objectives, the mission aims to tackle the pressing challenges of space debris while extending the lifespans of essential satellites. As the space industry moves toward a more sustainable and circular economy, initiatives like RISE demonstrate the potential for technological innovation to create lasting positive impacts, not only in space but also on Earth.
As we look to the future, the successful execution of the RISE mission could pave the way for a new era of space management, where collaboration, sustainability, and responsible innovation become the cornerstones of exploration beyond our planet.