On-Orbit Servicing (OOS): Issues & Commercial Implications

摘要

A major subset of on-orbit servicing (OOS) is unmanned satellite servicing missions using robotics and automation technologies, which is the focus here. To date various concepts for onorbit servicing of satellites have been developed and investigated, mostly driven by the technological challenges involved. Now, under the label “OOS” such activities have a renaissance. However, no operational OOS business has developed yet, although many events (e.g. recent major satellite failures and the Columbia accident) indicate the potential value, of OOS particularly on the longer term and in light of a growing space infrastructure, debris problems etc. This paper provides an overview on OOS and elaborates on its general issues, potential markets and business options by systematically looking at its drivers from a global perspective. A Special focus is on commercial implications of OOS in light of the overall future of the space sector. Backgrounds of the findings presented are: − An DLR-initiated studies and projects (2001-present) − Results of the OOS 2002 Workshop Defining a Way Forward (DLR-CSA, Germany Nov 2002) − Work conducted in the framework of the central case project (CCP) of the SpaceTech 6 (2003) master class on space system and business engineering, as well as − Follow-up investigations conducted by an international consortium led by the author. − The aim is to provide the big picture of OOS and to have more space experts deal with this topic.