美國太空軍與諾斯洛普·格魯曼合作，推進「Elixir」衛星加油技術

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(Northrop Grumman)

美國太空軍近日與諾斯洛普·格魯曼公司簽訂合約，共同開發並展示衛星在軌加油技術，該計劃被命名為「Elixir」。

這項合作是去年太空系統司令部授予諾斯洛普的GAS-T（Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker）計劃的延續，旨在開發地球同步軌道的輔助加油衛星。諾斯洛普的在軌加油計劃經理勞倫·史密斯（Lauren Smith）表示：「Elixir計劃使我們能夠完成加油有效載荷的開發、建造和發射，這是我們GAS-T加油衛星的核心。」 

Elixir計劃的主要目標包括：實現衛星之間的會合與接近操作（RPO）、對接技術，以及燃料轉移。史密斯指出，這些技術的驗證對於未來在軌加油的實用化至關重要。 

太空軍將Elixir視為提升太空機動性的重要步驟，特別是在中國和俄羅斯展示複雜的太空機動能力之際。太空軍計劃在未來幾年內進行多項演示，以完善其衛星加油和維護能力。

U.S. Space Force Collaborates with Northrop Grumman to Advance ‘Elixir’ Satellite Refueling Technology

The U.S. Space Force has recently signed a contract with Northrop Grumman to develop and demonstrate on-orbit satellite refueling technology under the project named “Elixir.” 

This collaboration builds upon the previous GAS-T (Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker) program awarded to Northrop by the Space Systems Command last year, aiming to develop auxiliary refueling satellites for geosynchronous orbit.Lauren Smith, Northrop’s program manager for in-space refueling, stated, “The Elixir program enables us to complete development, build, and launch of our refueling payload, which was at the heart of our GAS-T tanker.” 

The primary objectives of the Elixir program include achieving satellite rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), docking technology, and fuel transfer.Smith emphasized that validating these technologies is crucial for the practical implementation of on-orbit refueling. 

The Space Force views Elixir as a significant step toward enhancing space mobility, especially as China and Russia demonstrate complex space maneuvering capabilities.The Space Force plans to conduct several demonstrations in the coming years to refine its satellite refueling and maintenance capabilities.