GEA (in-orbit servicing vehicle) by D-Orbit: status and timeline

GEA (in-orbit servicing vehicle)

Enable long-term operation of European space infrastructure through autonomous in-orbit servicing, including refueling, repairs and life extension.

ProtoStage 2 of 5

In development under €119.6M ESA contract; RISE mission launch target 2028.

Updated Oct 2024Checked 11 Oct0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · RISE mission (first GEA servicing operation)

ESA contract awardOct 2024Complete.
RISE mission (first GEA servicing operation)Target 2028Not yet reached.

Most important updates

European Space Agency awards D-Orbit €119.6 million contract for GEA in-orbit servicing vehicleOct 2024

Upcoming

2028RISE mission (first GEA servicing operation) (next)

Current obstacles

Autonomous proximity operations in orbitAchieving reliable, autonomous rendezvous and berthing with client satellites in orbit is a key technical challenge.
Regulatory and liability frameworksEmerging regulations for in-orbit servicing and collision liability must be clarified.

Physics limits

On-orbit fuel capacityPropellant for both GEA operations and target satellite refueling limits mission duration and range.

How it works

2 parts

In-Orbit Rendezvous

Proximity operations with target satellites

GEA performs autonomous and remote-controlled rendezvous with target spacecraft in orbit.

Servicing Operations

Refueling, repairs, and upgrades

GEA can transfer propellant, replace components, or perform maintenance tasks to extend satellite operational life.

Spec sheet

Spec	GEA (in-orbit servicing vehicle)
ESA contract value	€119.6 million^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

Update log

1 update

Oct 2024

Major: European Space Agency awards D-Orbit €119.6 million contract for GEA in-orbit servicing vehiclePressCommercial

About D-Orbit

The team behind GEA (in-orbit servicing vehicle)

D-Orbit

ION Satellite Carrier, orbital transfer vehicle, space logistics

D-Orbit is an Italian space logistics company providing satellite deployment and in-orbit transportation. Its ION platform has deployed 168+ satellites across 26+ missions. The company holds a major ESA contract for in-orbit servicing.

ION orbital transfer vehicle is the world's most-flown commercial platform for satellite deployment.
Raised €150M in Series C (September 2024) led by Japanese corporation Marubeni.
Won €119.6M ESA contract for GEA in-orbit servicing vehicle; RISE mission targets 2028.

dorbit.space (opens dorbit.space)Company profile →

Founded: 201115 yrs
Headquarters: Italy
Status: Private
Valuation: private
Raised: $160M1 round
Last round: Series C · $160MSep 2024
Works in: SpaceflightIn-space mobility
Coverage: 2 programs · 3 updateslatest 1 Oct 2024checked 11 Oct
Lead investors: Marubeni Corporation
Customers: European Space Agency
Partners: SpaceX
People: Luca RossettiniFounder & CEORenato PanesiCo-founder & CCO

Spec

GEA (in-orbit servicing vehicle)

ESA contract value

€119.6 million^R (reported)