Orbital Transfer Vehicles and Space Tugs: The Logistics Layer After Launch

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Launch is powerful, but it is not always precise in the way every payload wants. A rocket may deliver several satellites to one useful drop-off orbit, while each satellite would prefer a slightly different altitude, inclination, phasing, local time, or operational slot. A spacecraft may be small enough to buy a rideshare seat but not large enough to carry all the propulsion needed for the final move. An orbital transfer vehicle, often called a space tug, exists in that gap between getting to space and getting exactly where the mission needs to work.

Space Tugs on Fondsites

Orbital Transfer Vehicles and Space Tugs: The Logistics Layer After Launch