A Strategic White Paper | January 2026 

Space is entering a decisive phase. As geopolitical competition intensifies and commercial constellations scale at unprecedented speed, the ability to maneuver, sustain, and protect assets in orbit is becoming a defining factor of space power. 

In-orbit refueling (IOR) is no longer a futuristic concept or a niche life-extension service. It is emerging as a foundational capability for space superiority, enabling dynamic space operations, sustained defense readiness, and scalable commercial growth. Yet today, space systems remain fundamentally constrained by a single limitation: finite onboard fuel. 

This Novaspace white paper provides the most comprehensive strategic assessment to date of in-orbit refueling as a critical enabler of both national security and the global space economy. 

Why this white paper matters 

Drawing on a closed-door expert roundtable held under Chatham House Rules in October 2025, this paper brings together perspectives from senior defense leaders, commercial space executives, investors, strategists, and futurists from the United States and Europe. The conclusions are clear and urgent: 

Without scalable in-orbit refueling and servicing capabilities, space operations become more vulnerable, less resilient, and increasingly constrained by launch dependence. With them, space becomes maneuverable, sustainable, and strategically decisive. 

What you will learn 

This white paper goes beyond technology to address the full strategic, operational, and investment dimensions of in-orbit refueling, including: 

• Why fuel, not technology, is now the primary constraint on space power 
• How in-orbit refueling transforms satellites from static assets into maneuverable systems 
• The evolving threat landscape and why orbital logistics are becoming a strategic differentiator 
• Where the United States, Europe, and China stand in refueling and space logistics capabilities 
• The commercial business case for IOR across LEO, GEO, and future cislunar operations 
• Why the refueling market will not scale without standards, coordination, and public-private investment 
• Concrete policy, operational, and financing recommendations to move from demonstrations to operational infrastructure 

With detailed scenarios, economic analysis, and clear recommendations, the paper positions IOR not as an optional enhancement, but as strategic infrastructure comparable to air refueling, ports, or energy grids on Earth. 

A call to action 

In-orbit refueling is at an inflection point. Competitors are moving from experimentation to operational logistics. Standards, architectures, and norms are being defined now. The decisions taken in the next few years will shape who controls maneuver, resilience, and economic value in space for decades to come. 

This white paper is intended for policymakers, defense and civil space program leaders, satellite operators, manufacturers, and investors seeking to understand both the risks of inaction and the opportunities created by decisive leadership.