In-space operations and services (ISOS) : an overview of EU-funded R&I projects supporting the development of ISOS capabilities

In-Space Operations and Services address applications such as maintenance/servicing of satellites (e.g. inspection, repair, life extension, upgrade), debris removal, logistic services in space (e.g. cargo, warehousing, relocation/transport of assets), assembly/disassembly of satellites/large structures, manufacturing (e.g. recycling/reusability). Game-changing innovations and enabling technologies are at the heart of ISOS and an important focus of future actions. The paradigm shift towards adaptive space systems builds on automation and robotics, artificial intelligence, modular and reconfigurable spacecraft concepts. ISOS is an intrinsically disruptive domain for space. It is bound to change the way space systems are designed, manufactured, tested and operated. It is an enabler for a wide range of new applications and new markets in space (new in-space economy) as well as for operations providing enhanced resilience and sustainability of space infrastructure.