ClearSpace has announced that it is collaborating with Intelsat in order to extend the life of a satellite prior to running out of fuel in the 2026 – 2028 timeframe. This is a capability expansion for ClearSpace who already has a contract with the European Space Agency to de-orbit a part of a Vega rocket.

In addition to ClearSpace other commercial companies are developing significant capabilities for repair and servicing of on-orbit assets. These type of activities add another vulnerability to an already broad attack area for spacecraft. Until recently most spacecraft are designed under the assumption that they are “one time use” and that no external physical interaction will occur. With the increased interest in the on-orbit servicing satellites will have more interfaces that is accessible to a hostile party. These interfaces will require additional security measures to ensure physical and digital security of the satellites is maintained.

Rainbow, J. (2022, November 14). ClearSpace announces life extension collaboration with Intelsat. Retrieved from SpaceNews: https://spacenews.com/clearspace-announces-life-extension-collaboration-with-intelsat/