LOXSAT
LOXSAT is a NASA funded cryogenic fluid management demonstration satellite mission. Eta Space is building the payload.{{cite press release |url=https://www.einpresswire.com/article/640752889/assembly-underway-on-eta-space-s-loxsat |title=Assembly Underway on Eta Space's LOXSAT |work=Eta Space |date=23 June 2023 |access-date=21 November 2023 |via=EIN PressWire}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.einpresswire.com/article/539693289/nasa-awards-eta-space-contract-for-gas-stations-in-space |title=NASA Awards Eta Space Contract for Gas Stations in Space |work=Eta Space |date=29 April 2021 |access-date=30 April 2021 |via=EIN Presswire}}
It is scheduled to launch no earlier than late 2025 on a Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle.{{cite press release |url=https://www.einpresswire.com/article/753922237/loxsat-payload-rolls-out-to-ksc-for-testing |title=LOXSAT Payload Rolls Out to KSC for Testing |work=Eta Space |date=22 October 2024 |access-date=23 October 2024 |via=EIN PressWire}}
Mission objectives
LOXSAT aims to demonstrate on-orbit docking and cryogenic refueling operations using a cryogenic fluid transfer disconnect and latching mechanism developed for depot applications. It will also demonstrate repeated mating/de-mating and the transfer of liquid oxygen.{{cite press release |url=https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Altius_Space_Machines_to_support_of_Eta_Space_and_NASAs_LOXSAT_Cryogenic_Fluid_Management_Mission_999.html |date=25 Aug 2021 |title=Altius Space Machines to support of Eta Space and NASA's LOXSAT Cryogenic Fluid Management Mission}}{{Cite web |title=LOXSAT 1 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/loxsat.htm |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en}}
A LOXSAT2 mission is being defined.
LOXSAT1 will test technology for Eta's orbital depot "CryoDock".{{Cite web |url=https://assets.bdg.com/newsletters/3148.html |title=PLAY IT COOL: THIS COMPANY IS BUILDING A CRYOGENIC GAS STATION IN SPACE May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-27 |archive-date=2022-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031124627/https://assets.bdg.com/newsletters/3148.html |url-status=dead }}