OSMOS X

Description

Although reusable launch vehicles and space ridesharing models have facilitated access to space (notably by reducing costs), in-orbit mobility remains a critical bottleneck. Satellites carry limited propellant reserves, and each maneuver (insertion into the final orbit, collision avoidance, repositioning) brings them closer to the end of their operational life, regardless of their functional condition. The rapid increase in launches and new space-based applications is generating growing demand for post-launch services, encouraging the emergence of a genuine in-orbit logistics ecosystem. OSMOS X is a space startup founded in 2022 that aims to design and manufacture a reusable, multi-mission orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) called THORUS. It will carry out several types of missions to efficiently address the needs of this emerging orbital economy: • Last-Mile Delivery: transfer of satellites deployed on a standard orbit (Low Earth Orbit – LEO or Geostationary Transfer Orbit – GTO) to their final operational orbit at higher altitudes (Medium Earth Orbit – MEO or Geostationary Orbit – GEO). • Repositioning: relocation of satellites between different orbits or orbital planes to optimize fleet operations and reduce onboard propellant consumption. • Life Extension: station-keeping support or refueling to extend the operational lifetime of GEO satellites. • Active Debris Removal: deorbiting debris or relocating it to a safer target orbit. • Surveillance: visual inspection of objects in orbit (such as satellites). • … Osmos X’s technological innovation lies in the propulsion system that will power the vehicle: MIST. Its operation relies on a chain ionization reaction, significantly improving propulsion performance: 600 mN of thrust and a specific impulse (Isp) of 5,000 seconds. The propellant gas (for example xenon) is first ionized using microwave power (in the GHz range). The electrons are then confined by a magnetic field and efficiently energized through resonance with the RF field. The resulting ions are finally accelerated by a high-voltage electrostatic system, designed to minimize beam divergence and ensure a focused thrust.

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