Commercial and Civil Robotic Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Fact Sheet
Over the past two decades, several countries have begun developing rendezvous and proximity (RPO) technologies to support space sustainability and peaceful space activities, including satellite inspection, refueling, repairs, on-orbit assembly, and orbital debris removal. In addition to government-funded programs, companies have also begun developing, testing, and operationalizing capabilities to support the growing space economy through commercial on-orbit satellite servicing, including life extension, repair, refueling, and inspection services.
In January 2020, the first commercial satellite servicing mission successfully docked with and repositioned a commercial communications satellite in the geosynchronous region, marking a significant milestone in space technology innovation and space operations. In early 2022, China successfully removed a defunct satellite from GEO to a graveyard orbit, contributing to orbital debris management and responsible behavior in space. Several additional commercial and civil demonstrations and operational missions are planned over the coming years, highlighting continued advancements in space technology and global space cooperation.
