Orbit Fab is a space industry startup developing methods to refuel orbital satellites. Co-founded in 2018 by Daniel Faber and Jeremy Schiel, the company's vision is to extend the life of satellites by offering in-space refueling services. The company became the first startup to resupply the International Space Station with water in June 2018. Resupplying the ISS was a milestone achievement in the company's development process.
The tests on the ISS used water, but the same technology can support a wide range of other propellants, including hydrazine, a common propellant for spacecraft thrusters, as well as “green” alternatives.
Orbit Fab developed a new interface for spacecraft refueling called the Rapidly Attachable Fuel Transfer Interface, or RAFTI. It is intended to replace existing fill-and-drain valves on satellite fueling systems, allowing them to be fueled on the ground before launch as well as refueled in space. The first RAFTI system was delivered in 2019.
Timeline
Funding rounds
SBA Awards
People
Daniel Faber
Founder
Jeremy Schiel
Founder
Jonathan A. Goff
Advisor
Kasey Yang
Employee