NASA’s ambitious project, OSAM-1, aimed at testing satellite refueling in space, has been called off due to various technical, cost, and scheduling issues. The decision to cancel the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) project was announced on March 1 after facing continuous challenges. The project was intended to refuel the Landsat-7 Earth observation satellite and showcase in-space manufacturing technology. However, it encountered numerous obstacles leading to its termination.
One of the main reasons for discontinuing the project was the changing industry landscape, with satellites now being designed with built-in refueling capabilities. This shift made OSAM-1’s approach of using robotic arms to access fuel tanks of older satellites less relevant. Additionally, the lack of a committed partner, likely referring to primary contractor Maxar, also played a role in the project’s cancellation. A report from NASA’s inspector general in October highlighted Maxar’s poor performance, including underestimating the project’s complexity and lacking necessary expertise.
The termination of OSAM-1 also resulted from significant cost overruns and delays, with Maxar’s performance on the spacecraft bus and SPIDER contracts falling short. The SPIDER system, featuring a 16-foot robotic arm, was a key component of the project aimed at improving satellite fleet management and addressing orbital debris concerns. Despite efforts to salvage the project, NASA ultimately decided to shut it down in an orderly manner.
The agency plans to support the personnel involved in OSAM-1 through fiscal year 2024 and explore potential partnerships or alternative uses for the project’s hardware. While it is disappointing to see such a large-scale project come to an end, NASA prioritized addressing the insurmountable challenges faced by OSAM-1. The agency remains dedicated to its space exploration program, trusting partners like Boeing to succeed in endeavors like the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for crewed missions. Follow for more updates on spaceflight and bookmark Gizmodo’s Spaceflight page for the latest news.
