Astroscale Anticipating Mid-2026 Launch of Refueling Demo Mission

With an eye to a mid-2026 launch of its prototype in-space refueling vehicle, Astroscale is seeking FCC approval for launch and operation. In an FCC Space Bureau application posted Tuesday, Astroscale said the craft is under construction via a cost-share contract from U.S. Space Systems Command. It is planned that the vehicle will conduct two refueling demonstrations with the Space Force in supersynchronous geostationary orbit, beyond the geostationary arc. The vehicle will operate in X-band uplinks and downlinks, Astroscale said.