TL;DR: Spaceium is building unmanned servicing stations in space to improve mission efficiency. Our stations will offer proprietary cryogenic fuel storage and transfer technology, enabling in-space refueling and providing robotic repair solutions, a capability that sets us apart. We aim to launch servicing stations in Low Earth Orbit in 2025 and expand to Geostationary Orbit, the Moon, and Mars by 2030.

"Helping space explorers go "where no man has gone before" - Captain James T. Kirk :)

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Hi, everyone. We are Ashi Dissanayake and Reza Fetanat, the team behind Spaceium.

Here's a brief introduction:

Ashi is an Aerospace Engineer specializing in Orbital Mechanics and rocket propulsion. Ashi has worked on real-time simulation models for uncrewed return missions to asteroids and on NASA-related aerodynamics projects.

Reza is also a space enthusiast and a Mechanical Engineer specializing in Robotics, structures, and Cryogenics. Reza has worked on revitalizing the LR-101 engine, which was used on Atlas, Thor, and Delta launch vehicles.

We first met while leading the University of Ottawa's rocketry team, where we built high-powered rockets to send scientific payloads to different altitudes. In our spare time, we enjoyed working together to build rockets in the backyard, sometimes leading to interesting experiences with backyard fires. 🔥

Throughout our careers, we've noticed the constraints on space missions due to the lack of ability to refuel or repair spacecraft in orbit. The current solutions are costly, and a centralized location where spacecraft can refuel and repair is a massive necessity. We are on a mission to build the missing piece of space infrastructure that connects the space superhighway, Just like how service stations were built on Earth back in the day!

The problem

All spacecraft and space missions face a standard set of challenges. Fuel is a limited and difficult resource to transport. In the event of a significant issue, spacecraft cannot be repaired in space. These challenges have significantly hindered efficiency in current space missions and have been a substantial obstacle in humanity's quest to explore space further.

Unlike a road trip where refueling is common and convenient, spacecraft face a unique challenge. Spacecraft cannot refuel along the way. Instead, they must carry all the fuel required for the mission from Earth. An overwhelming 85% - 95% of the launch weight is fuel on a typical launch vehicle, with 80-90% burned off to reach orbit. 🚀

As a result, spacecraft that transport loads in space (space tugs) can only perform, on average, 25% as many missions as they're technically capable of due to the absence of refueling in space. 🛰️

Furthermore, even if a spacecraft wanted to carry additional fuel, it is not easy. Current spacecraft require cryogenic fuels such as liquid oxygen, methane, and liquid hydrogen, which must be stored and transferred at extremely low temperatures of -285°F. 🥶 Environmental factors in space, such as heat and radiation, increase the temperature of these fuels, causing them to boil off (vaporize).

In addition, there is no current solution for spacecraft repair. This means that today's spacecraft must operate flawlessly to maximize efficiency, which is only sometimes the case. For instance, Eutelsat Communications' satellites experienced power loss mid-mission with no option for repair, resulting in a $30 million revenue loss. With Spaceium's multifunction robotic arm, the communication satellite could have been fixed. 🛠️

Solution

Automated servicing stations in space 🌎🚀🛰️

Our primary solution aims to improve space missions' efficiency by addressing refueling challenges. The developed cryogenic fuel storage and transfer technology is designed to store fuel without any boil-off for multiple years in space. As a result, spacecraft can now refuel in space, carry more payload, and travel longer distances.

Two fundamental principles guide our proprietary Zero Boil Off (ZBO) technology.

• Firstly, we prevent heat from entering the system through a unique tank design, insulation, and coating system.
• Secondly, our innovative multistage closed-loop cooling system evenly removes the heat from the cryogenic fuel and transfers it to radiators, ensuring zero boil-off.

Our cryogenic storage system is not only efficient but also highly scalable. Our current cooling system is 65% more efficient than any other cooling system, and our scalable storage system can store up to 30 metric tons of fuel, making it adaptable to a wide range of space missions and requirements.

After successfully addressing the challenge of transporting large amounts of space fuel, we turned our attention to developing technology for delivering this fuel to spacecraft in space. This is achieved through the use of a multifunction robotic arm. This advanced arm can securely dock with incoming spacecraft and initiate the fuel transfer. The fluid system built within the arm allows the transfer of different fuel types through the robotic arm. The built-in thermal system ensures that fuel is transferred to the customer's spacecraft at the correct temperature without any boil-off issues associated with cryogenic fuels in space.

Additionally, the same robotic arm is versatile enough to handle non-cryogenic fuels as well, providing a comprehensive solution for refueling spacecraft in space.

In addition to safe and efficient fuel transfer, the robotic arm is equipped with an interchangeable end effector designed for in-space repairs. In-space repairs are achieved through a fully automated robotic arm that can retrieve tools from a stored "toolbox" within the system. This innovative feature ensures that even in the event of a significant issue, spacecraft can be repaired in space, minimizing the risk of mission failure and maximizing mission efficiency.

Our vision is to transform the space industry. Starting in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), our servicing infrastructure will progressively expand to encompass Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), the moon, and eventually Mars. We are on a mission to empower space missions to go further, explore more, and achieve what was once deemed impossible.

Who can benefit from our service stations in space

• Launch vehicles
• Orbital transfer vehicles
• Space tugs
• Moon landers
• Satellites

Ask

• Feedback, comments, or questions. Reach out to us to learn how we can help with your missions.
• Warm Intros. If you know or work with any launch providers, space companies, or satellite providers who could benefit from our service, please introduce us to them. 🛰
• Follow. Follow us on LinkedIn, X. Cool news coming soon
• Share. Please share this post with your network so we can reach more space companies looking for refueling, repairs, and other services for their future missions. 👾

Email us HERE.

Thank you!