May 5, 2024

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How gas stations in space are so good for the environment

How gas stations in space are so good for the environment


Space refueling: It still seems like something that will happen in the future, but it probably will. Great, because it’s very useful too. The big question: how?

It’s different than you imagine. You won’t be flying your own rocket in 20 years as in Starfield, For example. These gas stations are for satellites.

This is certainly necessary, because there are now quite a few satellites orbiting the Earth. Over time, especially fuel, a fair number of them get discarded, leaving you with a significant amount of space junk. The Open Door: That’s not really the point.

Gas stations as a solution to waste in space

Space debris is growing rapidly. More than 15,000 satellites have been launched into space since the 1950s. Much of it does not return to Earth once it is eroded, making it float. This is dangerous because it may cause it to collide with other missiles or satellites.

Orbit Fab has this They came up with the solution: gas stations in space. Satellites can refuel here. The big advantage is that they can last longer, which means fewer satellites need to be launched into space.

How gas stations in space are so good for the environment
Tank system. (Image: Orbitfab)

In addition, these gas stations can offer another solution. Hence, it is easy to clean the waste with special spacecraft. Since these spacecraft can refuel there, they can then return to Earth with the space junk where it can be further recycled, or simply burned through the atmosphere surrounding our planet.

Do satellites need to be modified?

Of course, the idea is still in its infancy, because many practical matters need to be considered. Should each instance have the same devices in the room? Or how is gasoline filled from the gas station itself? In addition, there are many countries that manufacture satellites with their own methods and components. Agreements must also be concluded on this subject.

However, it is certainly an interesting topic to think about, because space debris is an increasing problem. Of course, we don’t want the rockets to be damaged when we go to the Moon or Mars.

Orbit Fab already has experience with such missions. The company works with the US government and has already delivered water to the International Space Station.

The gas station is not the only initiative to clean up waste in space. The European Space Agency (ESA) is also working on a special waste removal mission. The ClearSpace-1 project is scheduled to be launched in 2025.

There’s still a Tesla Roadster from SpaceX floating in space, but where is it?

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