SES and Infinite Orbits signed an agreement for one geostationary satellite life extension mission. This marks the first commercial life extension mission in Europe, and it will be carried out by Endurance, a 750kg docking vehicle designed for life extension missions.
Endurance’s launch is currently planned for late 2027, and is expected to dock with one SES geostationary satellite following an in-orbit demonstration. This life-extension vehicle has been designed to offer Infinite Orbits’ clients a new generation of in-orbit services, including station keeping, pointing management, orbital relocation and end-of-life disposal.
Adel Haddoud, CEO of Infinite Orbits, said: “We started Infinite Orbits with a focused goal to master a set of technologies allowing for competitive in-orbit services. To change the way we use space, in-orbit services must not only be safe, but they must also be compatible with our customers’ needs. We firmly believe that this is essential if we are to offer operators new opportunities to optimize their assets and promote a more sustainable approach to space.”
Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, said: “Extending the operational life of our GEO satellites is important for delivering continued value to customers and optimising satellite economics. At the same time, we remain committed to advancing space sustainability through innovative approaches. We are excited to collaborate with Infinite Orbits to enable responsible use of space while ensuring long-term service continuity.”
