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In-Depth Use Case article on Orbital Service Vehicles
June 18, 2025
The Future of Orbital Service Vehicles: Safer and More Efficient with IDRS
From satellite servicing and orbital transfer, through to space debris removal and deorbiting, Orbital Services Vehicles (OSV) play a critical role in supporting low earth orbit (LEO) space craft missions. As the number of satellites in LEO increases, the demands placed on OSVs will also rise. So, it’s essential that the technology supporting their interactions is fit for purpose, dependable and robust.
In this article, we explore some of the use cases for OSVs, and examine the ways in which IDRS is supporting the safety, success and efficiency of these missions.
Clear Skies: OSVs and Space Debris
One emerging and essential role for OSVs is that of space debris removal. Millions of pieces of debris, traveling at speeds up to 28,000 km/h, currently pollute low earth orbit, posing a serious threat to active satellites and crewed spacecraft alike. Using docking mechanisms and other technologies, OSVs are designed to capture and stabilize space debris. These assets can then be safely repositioned for recycling and reuse, or deorbited when reaching the end of their useful operational life.
Servicing Assets: Maintaining and positioning LEO Spacecraft
When LEO satellites need to be placed in their intended orbit or be moved into a new orbit, OSVs make this possible with capture operations, followed by precise asset deployment and positioning. Similarly, OSVs can approach, capture and refuel satellites which are reaching their “end of life” due to fuel shortage – adding years of new operating life to these assets.
Regular Transport and Servicing: Space Ports and Transfer Vehicles
Satellites may also occasionally need to dock at future space ports, such as manned space stations, spacecraft refueling ports, Factories-in-Space (“FiS”) – and again, the ability to co-ordinate the process with finesse and precision is essential. Similarly, a specific type of OSV, the orbital transfer vehicle, may ferry cargo or astronauts to and from earth to space stations. Precision timing and constant, real-time communication is vital for success.
IDRS and the future of OSV
The future of the commercial space market is promising, and there is an absolute requirement for persistent, dependable connectivity between ground and assets in LEO.
Powered by Viasat’s constellation of Inmarsat-4 GEO satellites and BGAN ground network, the Inter-satellite Data Relay System (IDRS) is designed to provide always-on data relay connectivity to LEO assets, including to OSVs, by providing persistent and reliable communication during close proximity maneuvering and rendezvous operations.
IDRS is a non-ITAR radio transceiver that provides fully managed, 24-7 IP connectivity to LEO spacecraft on a monthly subscription basis. In simple terms, the IDRS service subscription acts like a monthly mobile phone plan for your LEO asset.
Commercially available since 2020, IDRS has been embraced by multiple LEO asset operators needing continuous, real-time connectivity for their space missions.
Learn more about the opportunities that IDRS is bringing to commercial space craft connectivity.