1.0 IN-ORBIT REFUELING INITIATIVE
WHY THIS IOR INITIATIVE
This initiative enables companies to build their respective parts of an In-Orbit Refueling (IOR) ecosystem by providing system requirements, designs, system-level specifications, interfaces, QA frameworks, and guidelines.
The objective is to ensure that independently developed components can work together as a coherent, interoperable, and comprehensive IOR system.
The initiative enables participating companies to build parts of IOR subsystems:
- Satellite manufacturers
- Depot and service vehicle manufacturers
- IOR service providers
- Constellation operators (clients of IOR services)
- Launch providers (supporting deployment of IOR systems)
- Resupply providers delivering propellant to orbit
- Technology vendors: RPOD, LiDAR, sensor, propellant transfer
HOW DOES THIS IOR INITIATIVE WORK
This initiative brings companies together and aligns efforts across the existing ISAM and RPOD ecosystem.
It builds on and works alongside established organizations such as CONFERS, IRSIS, AIAA, and Satellite Applications Catapult, as well as learnings from ESA and NASA, and broader aerospace refueling practices.
The initiative builds on these efforts and connects them at the system level.
The core of the initiative is the delivery of a structured framework, including a compliance framework, that ensures independently developed components can work together reliably in space.
The objective is to provide confidence that when deployed, different IOR components—developed by different companies—will interoperate as part of a unified system.
WHAT THIS IOR INITIATIVE ENABLES
The outcome is an open IOR infrastructure where multiple players come together to economically deliver propellant in space. This includes delivery to LEO, MEO, GEO, space stations, and other platforms, including cislunar spacecraft.
The intent is to enable a scalable and commercially viable refueling ecosystem, where different providers can participate through standardized interfaces and coordinated system-level integration.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE
This initiative is intended for companies and organizations building, enabling, or operating components of the IOR ecosystem.
Participation is relevant for:
- Satellite and spacecraft manufacturers
- Constellation operators (LEO, MEO, GEO)
- Trajectory and mission design providers
- RPOD (Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, Docking) technology providers
- LiDAR and sensor vendors supporting navigation and proximity operations
- Propellant and fueling technology providers
- Depot and service vehicle manufacturers
- Resupply providers delivering propellant to orbit
- Launch providers supporting deployment of IOR systems
The strategy is to bring together participants across these domains so that each can contribute their part within a common system-level framework, enabling interoperability rather than isolated solutions.
WHY JOIN THIS INITIATIVE
This initiative enables a practical path to delivering propellant economically, universally, and at scale. It provides a common system-level framework that allows multiple companies to participate without building the entire system themselves.
By aligning on interfaces, specifications, and compliance, participants can:
• Reduce integration risks
• Avoid fragmented and non-compatible solutions
• Enable broader market participation
• Contribute to a shared infrastructure
Without this kind of coordinated, system-level approach, delivering propellant in a cost-effective and scalable way across orbits is extremely difficult.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS IOR INITIATIVE
You can participate by:
- Helping build specifications and interfaces
- Reviewing artifacts
- Providing feedback and comments
Companies can engage at different levels—from light review and input to active contribution in defining system-level specifications and interfaces.
I HAVE QUESTIONS
Review our FAQ, built from questions asked by interested participants. Reach out to us with further questions.
Contact: ior.project@reliqai.com