Rocket Lab announced it has completed the construction of a specialized spacecraft for a NASA-backed mission designed to test in-orbit refueling technologies. The satellite, part of the LOXSAT mission, has now passed a critical Systems Integration Review, moving it one step closer to its scheduled launch in early 2026.
This mission aims to solve a fundamental challenge for long-duration space travel: how to store super-cold rocket fuel without it boiling away. Success could pave the way for orbital propellant depots, essentially gas stations in space, which are considered essential for future deep-space exploration.
Key Takeaways
- Rocket Lab has completed its Photon spacecraft for the LOXSAT mission, a partnership with Eta Space and NASA.
- The mission will demonstrate how to store liquid oxygen (a cryogenic propellant) in space with zero loss.
- This technology is a critical step toward developing orbital refueling stations, or "Cryo-Docks," by 2030.
- The spacecraft will now undergo environmental testing before a planned launch on an Electron rocket in early 2026.
A Critical Step Towards Space Gas Stations
The completion of the Photon spacecraft marks a significant milestone for the LOXSAT mission. Developed by Eta Space and sponsored by NASA's Tipping Point program, the project is designed to prove that cryogenic propellants can be managed effectively in the harsh environment of space.
Cryogenic fuels, such as liquid oxygen (LOX), are highly efficient but pose a major logistical problem. They must be kept at extremely low temperatures to remain liquid. In space, solar radiation can cause these fuels to heat up and vaporize, a phenomenon known as "boil-off." This slow loss of fuel limits the range and duration of missions.
LOXSAT will test a system designed for a "zero-loss" configuration. If successful, it will provide the foundational technology for a full-scale cryogenic propellant depot called Cryo-Dock, which Eta Space plans to have operational in low Earth orbit by 2030.
Why In-Orbit Refueling Matters
The ability to refuel spacecraft in orbit would revolutionize space exploration. Currently, missions must carry all the fuel they will ever need from Earth's surface, which is incredibly expensive and limiting. Orbital depots would allow spacecraft to launch with less fuel, top up their tanks in orbit, and then proceed to destinations like the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This is considered a fundamental building block for a sustainable, reusable space infrastructure.
Rocket Lab's End-to-End Solution
For this mission, Rocket Lab is providing more than just the ride to space. The company was selected to supply both its Electron launch vehicle and its versatile Photon spacecraft platform. This integrated approach simplifies the mission logistics for Eta Space, reducing complexity and potential delays.
"We're proud to be both the spacecraft and launch provider for LOXSAT and for the opportunity to show Rocket Lab’s true end-to-end space systems capabilities," said Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Space Systems at Rocket Lab.
"The ability to refuel in space is fundamental to unlocking reusable and sustainable exploration beyond Earth’s orbit."
The Photon platform has a proven track record, having served as the base for NASA’s CAPSTONE mission to the Moon in 2022. The spacecraft for LOXSAT was designed and built at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, California, using many of the company's own components, including star trackers, propulsion systems, and solar panels.
Mission Profile
- Mission Name: LOXSAT
- Spacecraft: Rocket Lab Photon
- Launch Vehicle: Rocket Lab Electron
- Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, New Zealand
- Launch Target: Early 2026
- Objective: Demonstrate zero-loss cryogenic fluid management.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Technology
The collaboration between Eta Space and Rocket Lab highlights the growing ecosystem of specialized space companies working to build the next generation of orbital infrastructure. Bill Notardonato, CEO of Eta Space, explained the decision to partner with Rocket Lab.
"We chose Rocket Lab as a launch provider based on their proven Electron rocket and the chance to have a dedicated launch to our exact orbit on our schedule," Notardonato stated. He added that Rocket Lab's experience with building spacecraft has been equally important. "Their spacecraft experience and payload hosting services have proven to be just as valuable as launch services for our project success."
With the spacecraft build and payload integration complete, the LOXSAT mission now enters its final phase of preparation on Earth. The spacecraft will undergo a series of rigorous environmental tests to ensure it can withstand the vibrations of launch and the extreme temperature swings of space.
Once these tests are passed, the spacecraft will be shipped to Rocket Lab's launch facility in New Zealand. There, it will be integrated with the Electron rocket for its journey to low Earth orbit, where it will attempt to prove that a future with space-based gas stations is within our reach.