Space Force probes orbital depots to speed satellite servicing

The U.S. Space Force, via Space Systems Command and SpaceWERX, is exploring the design and viability of orbital warehouses to store fuel and supplies for servicing satellites, with plans for two on‑orbit demonstrations in 2027 to test in‑space logistics, propulsion, and depot operations. Highlighted efforts include Starfish Space’s US‑Otter 1 rendezvous/docking and Astroscale’s Provisioner refueler, all part of accelerating in‑space servicing and enabling rapid responses to space threats under the Objective Force 2040 roadmap.