Provisioner
The Provisioner spacecraft by Astroscale U.S. will refuel two Space Force spacecraft on a mission scheduled to launch in the summer of 2026. Credit: Astroscale U.S.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Government and industry analysts have identified the refueling of satellites in geostationary orbit as one of the most practical and immediately valuable applications of on-orbit servicing, recommending focused investment, early demonstrations and coordinated policy work to bring the capability into routine use.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...