Space

Exclusive: Spaceium Opens License for Refueling Hardware

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 12/11/2026, 14:20:25 UTC.

Briefings

Spaceium launched an exclusive license for its OpenPort refueling hardware, enabling any company to build and license the technology for $1. The company aims to develop a space economy by allowing spacecraft to refuel in orbit, extending mission duration and enabling deep space travel. Spaceium CEO Ashi Dissanayake clarified that the goal is not to sell a refueling interface but to support the broader space economy. The OpenPort is fuel-agnostic, acting as both a pump and a port, replacing traditional launch ports to reduce weight. Spaceium previously launched a mission in November 2026 aboard SpaceX's Transporter-15 to test the robotic arm, and plans to deploy the hardware to the ISS in the first half of 2027 for xenon transfer demonstrations.

Key points

• Spaceium opened an exclusive license for its OpenPort refueling hardware, allowing any company to build and license the technology for $1.
• Spaceium plans to develop a space economy by enabling spacecraft to refuel in orbit, extending mission duration and allowing deep space travel.

Context

Spaceium aims to launch gas stations into orbit, with the OpenPort refueling tech being the first step. The company plans to make money by selling fuel to spacecraft, not by selling the refueling interface itself. This contrasts with competitors like Orbit Fab, which also offers open licenses for refueling ports.

Limitations

Evidence covers the launch of the OpenPort hardware and its initial testing mission in November 2026. Specific details on future deployment dates beyond the first half of 2027 are not provided. The source does not specify the exact number of spacecraft that will benefit from the refueling capability.

Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 12/11/2026, 15:09:45 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.

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