NASA has decided to cancel the OSAM-1 mission, a project aimed at demonstrating robotic satellite servicing technology in orbit. The mission, which would have cost $1.5 billion and potentially another $1 billion to launch, involved grappling an aging Landsat satellite to refuel it and constructing an antenna with a robotic arm. However, technical, cost, and schedule challenges led to the cancellation of the project after an independent review.
Originally, the OSAM-1 mission was focused solely on a refueling demonstration, but in 2020, the scope expanded to include in-orbit assembly. This change involved adding the Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot (SPIDER), a 16-foot robotic arm, to assemble structural elements into a communications antenna. However, the addition of SPIDER and other changes led to delays and cost overruns, with Congress doubling NASA’s requested budget for the project. The project faced ongoing challenges and setbacks, with a launch date pushed back to 2026.
In the rapidly evolving satellite servicing market, companies are moving towards alternative technologies for extending satellite life rather than refueling. The cancellation of the OSAM-1 mission reflects the changing landscape of satellite servicing, with companies focusing on innovative solutions such as Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle and the US military’s plans for fuel depots in orbit. This decision marks the end of a costly and complex project that ultimately could not overcome its technical and financial obstacles.