Orbit Fab Company Profile

Background

Overview

Orbit Fab, established in 2018, is a pioneering aerospace company headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, USA, with an additional office in Harwell, UK. The company specializes in developing in-space refueling systems designed to extend the operational lifespans of satellites and spacecraft. By providing on-orbit refueling services, Orbit Fab aims to eliminate the limitations imposed by finite onboard fuel reserves, thereby enhancing mission flexibility and sustainability in space operations.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To build the in-space propellant supply chain, facilitating sustainable and reusable space operations.

• Vision: To establish a thriving in-space economy that supports permanent jobs in space, benefiting humanity for generations to come.

Industry Significance

Orbit Fab's innovative approach addresses a critical need in the aerospace industry by providing infrastructure for in-space refueling. This capability is essential for extending satellite lifespans, enabling more complex missions, and reducing the frequency of satellite replacements, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient space economy.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• In-Space Refueling Services: Develop and deploy refueling depots and shuttles to deliver propellants to spacecraft in orbit.

• Standardization of Refueling Interfaces: Create and promote standardized refueling ports, such as the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI), to ensure compatibility across various spacecraft.

• Mission Planning Optimization: Offer mission planning software, like UMPIRE, to optimize refueling logistics and mission effectiveness.

Areas of Specialization

• Propellant Delivery: Providing hydrazine and xenon refueling services in geostationary orbit (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO).

• Satellite Servicing: Extending satellite operational lifespans through in-space refueling, enabling more complex and prolonged missions.

Key Technologies Utilized

• RAFTI Interface: A standardized refueling port that allows spacecraft to receive propellant either in space or on the ground before launch.

• UMPIRE Software: A mission analysis tool that assists in planning and optimizing refueling operations to enhance mission success.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Commercial Satellite Operators: Companies requiring extended satellite lifespans and mission flexibility.

• Government Space Agencies: Agencies seeking to enhance the operational capabilities and longevity of their space assets.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• 2019: Raised $3 million to develop in-space refueling technologies.

• September 2021: Secured over $10 million in funding, with participation from aerospace primes Lockheed Martin Ventures and Northrop Grumman.

• April 2023: Completed a Series A funding round of $28.5 million, led by 8090 Industries, with additional investments from Stride Capital, Industrious Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Tribe Capital, Good Growth Capital, and Massive Capital Partners.

Total Funds Raised

Over $41 million in venture capital funding to date.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated towards accelerating fuel sales, deploying fuel delivery and storage infrastructure in GEO, LEO, and very low Earth orbit (VLEO), and expanding technical and manufacturing capabilities to meet increasing demand for in-space refueling services.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Hydrazine Refueling Service: Scheduled to commence in 2025, offering 100 kg deliveries in GEO at $20 million per delivery.

• Xenon Refueling Service: Agreement with Astroscale to refuel the Life Extension In-Orbit (LEXI) servicer fleet with up to 1,000 kg of xenon in GEO.

Stages of Development

• Hydrazine Service: Planning and infrastructure development phase, with services expected to begin in 2025.

• Xenon Service: Partnership and integration phase, with services anticipated to commence in the near future.

Target Conditions

• Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Primary focus for initial refueling services.

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Future expansion area for refueling services.

Anticipated Milestones

• 2025: Launch of hydrazine refueling services in GEO.

• Ongoing: Integration of RAFTI interfaces on multiple government and commercial satellites.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• RAFTI Interface: A standardized refueling port that allows spacecraft to receive propellant either in space or on the ground before launch.

• UMPIRE Software: A mission analysis tool that assists in planning and optimizing refueling operations to enhance mission success.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Fluid Dynamics Testing: Conducted to ensure safe and efficient propellant transfer in microgravity environments.

• Docking and Refueling Simulations: Performed to validate the RAFTI interface and refueling procedures.

Leadership Team

Daniel Faber – CEO and Co-Founder

With over 15 years of experience in space technology and startup leadership, Daniel Faber serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Orbit Fab. Prior to founding Orbit Fab, he was the CEO of Deep Space Industries.

Shawn Hendricks – Chief Operating Officer

Shawn Hendricks brings extensive experience in high-technology production environments, with a strong background in program management, production, systems engineering, and integration and testing of multi-domain systems.

Jeff Lints – Chief Commercial Officer

An entrepreneur and executive with over 30 years of experience in commercializing new technologies and scaling revenue, Jeff Lints serves as the Chief Commercial Officer.

Jerry McIntyre – General Counsel

Jerry McIntyre is an attorney and business strategist with expertise in corporate law and government contracts. He holds an MBA from Chicago Booth and a JD from Northwestern University.

Jake Geer – UK Managing Director

With over 15 years of UK government experience in defense and space, including as UK Space Agency Chief of Staff, Jake Geer oversees Orbit Fab's UK operations.

Mariah Hake – Chief Engineer

A systems and mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience in product development and systems design, Mariah Hake focuses on control systems for turbines and industrial applications.

Arul Suresh – Principal Engineer

Holding a Ph.D. from Stanford University in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in mechatronics and automation, Arul Suresh has designed and flown the Gecko Perching Gripper payload to space on the ISS.

Frank Murphy – Senior Director of Operations

Frank Murphy has over a decade of experience in people operations across multiple industries, with a particular focus on strategic talent management and organizational development.

Bailey McPhee – Head of People Operations

Bailey McPhee is a people operations professional with over a decade of experience across multiple industries, focusing on strategic talent management and organizational development.

Market Insights and Competitor Profile

The in-space refueling market is emerging, with increasing interest from both commercial and government sectors. As of 2024, the satellite servicing market was valued at approximately $3.5 billion, with forecasts projecting significant expansion.

Competitor Analysis

• SpaceLogistics LLC (Northrop Grumman): Offers satellite life extension services, including the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) and Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV).

• Starfish Space: Developing the 'Otter' spacecraft for satellite servicing, including rendezvous, proximity operations, and potentially refueling capabilities.

• Momentus Space: Provides in-orbit transportation and infrastructure services.