Orbit Fab Raises $28.5M to Build Space’s First Refueling Network

Orbit Fab Raises $28.5M to Build Space’s First Refueling Network

Orbit Fab, a Colorado-based startup working to establish in-orbit refueling stations, has secured $28.5 million in Series A funding to ramp up its fuel delivery and space infrastructure missions. The company envisions a future where satellites no longer face a hard expiration date due to fuel limitations, making space operations more cost-effective and sustainable.

A Gas Station for Spacecraft

At the heart of Orbit Fab’s vision is its Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI)—a specialized refueling port that can be built into satellites and orbital servicing vehicles. This technology enables on-orbit fuel tankers to dock and refuel spacecraft, similar to how cars pull into gas stations.

Currently, satellites operate under strict fuel constraints, forcing engineers to maximize efficiency at the expense of flexibility. By enabling in-space refueling, Orbit Fab aims to:

• Extend satellite lifespans
• Reduce launch weight and costs
• Enable more complex orbital maneuvers, including servicing missions, in-space assembly, and rendezvous operations

Fueling the Future of Space Operations

Last August, the company announced plans to deliver up to 100 kilograms of hydrazine to satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) for $20 million per delivery, starting in 2025.

Orbit Fab already has four launches booked over the next three years, including three missions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). One key mission, scheduled for early 2025, will test RAFTI-enabled refueling for military satellites, supported by over $21 million in DOD contracts.

Beyond government partnerships, Orbit Fab is gaining traction in the commercial sector as well. The company recently signed a deal with Astroscale to provide on-orbit refueling for its geostationary service vehicles, marking a major step toward mainstream adoption of in-space fueling technology.

Growth and Expansion

With its latest funding round, Orbit Fab has doubled its team to 60 employees in the past year and plans to hire at least 25 more in 2024.

The Series A round was led by 8090 Industries, with participation from Stride Capital, Industrious Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Tribe Capital, Good Growth Capital, and Massive Capital Partners.

Big Picture: A New Era for Space Logistics

Orbit Fab’s push to create a refueling infrastructure in orbit could reshape how satellites and spacecraft operate, reducing costs and unlocking new mission capabilities. If successful, the company could establish a critical backbone for future space industries, from satellite servicing to deep-space exploration.