Overview
- Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy said he has required the RG-XX constellation to be refuelable on orbit, marking the first time the Space Force has embedded such a mandate in an acquisition program.
- Space Systems Command is preparing a draft request for proposals for RG-XX by year’s end, with plans for multiple satellite suppliers while the Space Force retains ownership and operations.
- Purdy noted likely differences in propellants across vendors and said options include suppliers providing their own refuelers or the military buying contractor-owned, contractor-operated refueling services.
- The Space Force is funding in-orbit refueling experiments with Northrop Grumman and Astroscale US, with demonstrations planned in 2026 and 2028 to mature servicing capabilities.
- Parallel work is defining requirements and architectures for sustained maneuver as industry fields servicing vehicles, with officials also citing reported Chinese GEO refueling this summer as a driver for urgency.