Space Regulatory Glossary Industry

in-orbit servicing

noun

1. The inspection, maintenance, repair, refueling, or upgrade of a satellite while it remains in orbit, extending its operational life or restoring functionality after an anomaly.
2. An emerging commercial capability led by companies like Northrop Grumman (MEV), Astroscale, and Orbit Fab. The regulatory framework for in-orbit servicing is still developing — operations require coordination with debris tracking authorities and may involve novel licensing considerations across multiple agencies.

Related terms

station-keeping The periodic use of onboard thrusters to maintain a satellite within its assigned orbital position, correcting for… delta-v The change in velocity required to perform an orbital maneuver, measured in meters per second (m/s). Delta-v is the… GEO Geostationary orbit. A circular equatorial orbit at approximately 35,786 km altitude where a satellite's orbital period…

Browse all terms in the Space Regulatory Glossary →