The U.S. Space Force is accelerating its analysis of dynamic space operations, a strategic shift that would allow military satellites to maneuver frequently in orbit. This increased urgency comes as Pentagon officials acknowledge China's recent successful demonstration of in-orbit satellite refueling, a capability that could offer a significant advantage in space.
Speaking at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Maj. Gen. Dennis O. Bythewood, special assistant to the Chief of Space Operations, confirmed that a detailed study is now underway to define the architecture and force structure required for this new era of orbital agility.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force has launched a formal analysis into "dynamic space operations" to enhance satellite maneuverability.
- This initiative is driven by China's successful demonstration of in-orbit satellite refueling technology during the summer of 2025.
- Key options being considered by the U.S. include on-orbit refueling, modular propulsion "jetpacks," and rapid replacement of satellites using lower-cost launches.
- Industry experts are urging the Pentagon to begin integrating refueling capabilities into new satellite designs immediately to avoid falling behind.
The Need for Orbital Agility
For years, Pentagon and industry leaders have discussed the concept of satellites that can move freely in space. Currently, a satellite's lifespan is directly tied to its internal fuel supply. Each maneuver consumes precious propellant, forcing operators to conserve fuel and limit movement to preserve the asset's operational life.
U.S. Space Command leaders have expressed a desire to operate "without regret," meaning they want the ability to reposition satellites in response to threats or changing mission needs without shortening their service life. This capability is central to the idea of dynamic space operations.
"We’re kicking off that work to really get past the ‘Hey, this is a good thing’ to specifically, ‘What are we looking at for advantage? How would we architect in order to deliver that advantage? And what are the implications of that on future force structure for the Space Force?’” Bythewood stated at the conference on September 23.
This new analysis aims to move beyond theoretical discussions and create a concrete plan for achieving true maneuverability in orbit, a fundamental aspect of military operations in every other domain.
China's Refueling Milestone Increases Pressure
The strategic calculus for the U.S. shifted significantly after China conducted a satellite refueling operation in geosynchronous orbit. The maneuver involved transferring fuel from one satellite to another, a complex task that demonstrates a growing sophistication in space logistics.
During a separate panel at the conference, Chief Master Sgt. Ron Lerch, a senior enlisted advisor for Space Force intelligence, described the Chinese achievement as a "game-changer." This capability could allow China to extend the life of its space assets or enable more aggressive maneuvering, even without the same launch capacity as the United States.
Why In-Orbit Refueling Matters
In-orbit refueling is like aerial refueling for aircraft but far more complex. It allows a satellite that has run low on propellant to be serviced, dramatically extending its mission. This transforms satellites from disposable assets with fixed lifespans into sustainable, long-term platforms that can be repositioned as needed.
Maj. Gen. Bythewood noted that China's progress, while significant, was not unexpected. "Movement and maneuver … is inherent to military operations in any domain, so the idea that China would be looking to enhance its ability to conduct movement and maneuver in the domain, it’s expected," he said.
Exploring Solutions: Refuel, Replace, or Augment
The U.S. is evaluating several pathways to achieve orbital agility, with no single solution yet chosen. The Space Force has funded refueling demonstration missions scheduled for 2026 and 2028, but it has not committed to a full-scale program.
On-Orbit Servicing
Companies like Northrop Grumman are already active in this area. Rob Hauge, president of the company's Space Logistics subsidiary, highlighted their operational "Mission Extension Vehicles" (MEVs). These spacecraft dock with existing satellites and use their own thrusters to provide propulsion, acting as a form of jetpack.
Hauge also mentioned that his firm is developing a "next-generation servicer," indicating that the technology for refueling and servicing is advancing rapidly. According to Hauge, the time to act is now. "If we really want to embrace [refueling], the time is now to start modernizing our fleet," he urged. "It typically takes three to five years to build a spacecraft. Putting a refueling port on that spacecraft is the first step."
The Replacement Strategy
An alternative to refueling is to simply replace satellites more frequently. The rise of reusable rockets, pioneered by companies like SpaceX, has dramatically lowered the cost of launching payloads into orbit. China has not yet replicated this reusable launch technology on the same scale.
Bythewood acknowledged this option, suggesting that for some missions, it might be more cost-effective to launch a new, more advanced satellite than to refuel an older one. The decision will likely depend on the satellite's mission and location.
Two Types of Maneuverability
Rob Hauge distinguishes between two operational concepts:
- Dynamic Space Operations: Compared to a fighter jet, this involves the ability to maneuver very quickly to defend an asset or engage a threat.
- Reactive Space Operations: This involves larger satellites being able to move away from their standard position ("get off their node") to evade a threat and then return to their mission.
The Future of Space Situational Awareness
The debate over refueling is particularly relevant for the Space Force's most maneuverable assets, the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites. These "neighborhood watch" satellites patrol geosynchronous orbit to monitor other objects and potential threats.
The current GSSAP satellites are not refuelable, and the Space Force is already planning their replacement, a new system called the Geosynchronous Reconnaissance & Surveillance Constellation, or RG-XX. An industry day for this new program was held in August 2025.
Monty Greer, a senior project leader at the Aerospace Corporation, argued that this new constellation presents a perfect opportunity to implement refueling from the start.
"How do we make that the first opportunity to have a serviceable geosynchronous space domain awareness platform that relies on being able to maneuver to do its mission? It’s not just life extension. Can we do that as the first instance of a program of record that demonstrates that capability?" Greer proposed.
Bythewood hinted that the Space Force is open to a mixed approach, where refueling is used for specific high-value or high-maneuver assets. "For a high-maneuvering spacecraft, where a maneuver is core to its job, life extension is refueling," he concluded. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the architecture of the U.S. military's presence in space for decades.
