The U.S. is building a fuel depot in space

Astroscale U.S. is set to launch a groundbreaking mission in summer 2026, refueling two U.S. Space Force satellites from a spacecraft positioned 22,500 miles above Earth. This Department of Defense-funded operation marks the first time a Space Force craft will be refueled in orbit, fundamentally changing space operations by extending mission durations without the need to return for propellant. Astroscale’s refueling process includes transferring hydrazine to the Tetra-5 satellite and utilizing a fuel depot, potentially redefining the logistics of space missions.