Relocation

Satellite relocation is the capability to change a spacecraft's orbit, including orbit raising, plane changes, phasing, moving to new operational slots, or relocating satellites at end-of-life to decay paths (LEO) or graveyard orbits (GEO).

A space tug is a vehicle. Relocation is the service outcome—moving your satellite to the target orbit on schedule, with reserved windows, fallback routing, and one SLA. Full Orbit coordinates mobility capacity across providers to deliver relocation as a service.

Orbit raising increases a satellite's altitude, typically to extend mission life, move to a higher operational regime, or adjust orbital parameters. It's needed when initial deployment altitude is lower than desired, or when moving from LEO to higher orbits.

Plane changes alter a satellite's orbital inclination, requiring significant delta-V. They're expensive because changing inclination at high speeds demands substantial propellant. Full Orbit reserves capacity and coordinates efficient plane change maneuvers across providers.

In-plane phasing adjusts a satellite's position within the same orbital plane, moving it to a specific slot or phase angle. Slotting positions satellites in precise locations within constellations or operational arcs, critical for coordinated operations.

Last-mile insertion moves a satellite from its rideshare deployment orbit to its final target orbit. Rideshare launches often drop payloads near, but not exactly at, the desired orbit—mobility services complete the delivery to the precise operational slot.

Yes. When a satellite's own propulsion becomes limiting, relocation services can provide station-keeping, orbit maintenance, and life extension by handling maneuvers externally. This extends operational life without requiring the satellite to use its remaining fuel.

Decay orbit (LEO) allows natural atmospheric reentry over time. Graveyard orbit (GEO) moves satellites to a higher, safe parking orbit above the operational GEO belt. Both are end-of-life relocation options, chosen based on orbit regime and disposal requirements.

Reserved mobility windows lock specific time periods for transfer execution, similar to AWS reserved capacity. You reserve a window, capacity allocation (delta-V, mass class), and SLA tier. Full Orbit coordinates execution within that window, with fallback options if schedules shift.

Full Orbit's fallback routing automatically presents alternative paths and providers. If a primary window slips, we reroute using pre-computed alternates, maintaining your SLA commitment. Credits or penalties apply based on the SLA tier you selected.

Cooperative spacecraft (with docking interfaces, grapple fixtures, or standardized capture points) enable easier relocation. However, relocation can also work with non-cooperative targets using proximity operations and capture techniques, though with additional complexity.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is essential for safe relocation. Full Orbit mobility plans include conjunction risk assessment, collision avoidance planning, and safe timing windows. We coordinate proximity operations to ensure trajectories avoid conflicts and maintain operating discipline.