Liftero, the developer of space-proven green chemical propulsion systems, announced a contract with OrbitAID, India’s emerging leader in commercial in-orbit servicing, to supply BOOSTER propulsion systems for a proximity operations, docking, and Life extension / refuelling mission.
Two BOOSTERs will power two systems: the chaser and target spacecraft’s full mission sequence from long-range rendezvous through precision docking approach enabling six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) manoeuvring required for controlled proximity operations in orbit. The multi-thruster system configuration for chaser and target delivers the fine attitude and translational control demanded by docking missions, where margins are measured in centimetres at proximity operations, to millimetres at mating. Liftero will deliver flight hardware to match the program timeline, as OrbitAID targets launch as early as Q4 2026.
In-orbit servicing demands propulsion that can execute fine, repeatable manoeuvres with high reliability and rapid response. Until now, no mission in this category has flown with 6-DOF nitrous oxide-based propulsion on record. BOOSTER applied to OrbitAID’s mission is set to change that.
"We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with OrbitAID on this highly ambitious mission,” said Tomasz Palacz, CEO of Liftero. “It is a great challenge, with many 'firsts' — not only for Liftero and OrbitAID, but for the industry as a whole. The deployment of our BOOSTER propulsion in an in-orbit servicing mission demonstrates that green chemical propulsion is ready for broader market adoption. We believe we have removed key limitations traditionally associated with chemical propulsion systems both toxic and existing green alternatives enabling top-level performance and reliability without compromise. We look forward to the OrbitAID mission launch, planned as early as Q4 2026, and to seeing our thrusters support the mission objectives."
Green chemical propulsion solutions have been maturing toward this moment. Liftero has perfected the N2O-based solution for BOOSTER’s thrust response, precision altitude control, and steady-state capability, with no maximum impulse bit limits – the factors that IOS operators actually need. On top of these requirements, OrbitAID has chosen BOOSTER for the lack of thermal constraints, solved performance degradation, and cold-start firing.
The contract validates Liftero’s propulsion architecture: a system configured to mission requirements using standardised, qualified components, without any custom engineering. Assembling from a proven parts library, each system is configured from the same flight-qualified building blocks, with system specifications adjusted to match the operator’s specific delta-v budget, attitude control and form factor needs. OrbitAID is establishing the foundational infrastructure for India’s long-term presence in the orbital servicing economy. Their solutions span from refuelling, docking, inspecting, and repairing to extend the satellite missions already in orbit.
"We selected BOOSTER for its versatility and ability to meet the performance demands of our in-orbit servicing spacecraft. Our mission required a custom propulsion configuration, and Liftero demonstrated that their framework enables rapid, practical, and cost-effective adaptation even under tight timelines. We’re looking forward to our upcoming launch and future missions together.”– Sakthikumar R, CEO, OrbitAID.
The company aims to build a set of in-orbit refuelling stations that will extend the life of space assets on demand. Their plans also include on-demand space mobility, active debris removal, and satellite inspections, and Liftero is well-positioned to support such missions. The in-orbit servicing market is growing rapidly, as life extension, active refuelling, debris removal, and orbital logistics are attracting new operators and capital globally, in Europe, the United States, India, and across Asia.
The demand for in-orbit servicing is coming from multiple directions simultaneously. Commercial operators need life extension and refuelling to maximize the outcomes from their high-value assets. Defence and national security agencies across NATO members, India and the Indo-Pacific region, are accelerating investment in responsive space logistics and the ability to maneuver and service assets in contested orbits. Every one of those missions depends on propulsion that can execute fine, repeatable manoeuvres on demand. OrbitAID’s mission will be proof that Liftero’s solutions meet the bar in operational conditions.
Click here to know more about Liftero's BOOSTER Propulsion systems
