The United States Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to develop a satellite refueling capability, which will be demonstrated through a new mission called Elixir. This award follows a previous contract from the Space Systems Command, granted to Northrop Grumman in the previous year, to develop a tanker satellite known as GAS-T (Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker). The Elixir program builds on the technology and insights gained from the GAS-T project, which has recently been completed.
According to Lauren Smith, Northrop Grumman’s program manager for in-space refueling, the Elixir program aims to finalize the development, construction, and launch of the refueling payload originally central to the GAS-T tanker. Although Smith did not disclose the contract’s monetary value or detailed technical specifications of the tanker payload, she confirmed that the Rapid On-Orbit Space Technology Evaluation Ring (ROOSTER-5) will carry the payload, with its launch previously scheduled for 2027.
The receiving spacecraft will be equipped with Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Model, an interface designated as a preferred standard for satellite refueling by the Space Force. The Elixir mission aims to tackle three essential technical challenges: achieving rendezvous and proximity operations, facilitating docking with another satellite, and transferring fuel between spacecraft.
Smith emphasized that refueling in space requires precise coordination, likening it to an intricately choreographed dance. She expressed enthusiasm for proving this capability in orbit, as successful demonstration could streamline future operational use if the Space Force chooses to adopt the technology.
In-space refueling has been highlighted as a crucial near-term enabler for enhancing mobility in space, which is increasingly prioritized by the Space Force. This focus comes in light of China’s and Russia’s demonstrated abilities to perform complex maneuvers in space, posing potential challenges to U.S. operations. General Michael Guetlein noted at a defense conference in March that multiple instances of Chinese satellites engaging in what he termed “satellite dogfighting” maneuvers have been observed.
As of now, the Space Force has yet to articulate its overarching strategy for integrating satellite refueling and servicing capabilities into its framework. However, the Elixir mission is part of a series of demonstrations planned for the coming years that will help shape that vision. One such upcoming initiative includes a 2026 mission featuring a refueling spacecraft developed by Astroscale U.S. alongside the Tetra-5 effort with the Air Force Research Laboratory, which will involve two satellites docking with refueling vehicles designed by Orbit Fab and Astroscale.
Courtney Albon, a reporter for C4ISRNET covering space and emerging technologies, has extensively reported on military developments, focusing particularly on the Air Force and Space Force since 2012.
