Orbital Residence Platform

Editorial source: Hu Min, Xiao Jinwei, Zhang Tiantian, Tao Xuefeng (2026) "Mission Planning for Orbital Transfer Vehicles for Batch Deployment of Medium-to-High Orbit Small Satellites" (in Chinese)

Site: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

The Orbital Residence Platform is the core infrastructure in a hub-and-spoke deployment architecture. It co-orbits with Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs), providing docking stations where OTVs can receive resupply, maintenance, and mission handoff services.

The Orbital Residence Platform is a key component for enabling OTV reusability and constructing a cost-effective space logistics system.

Functional Positioning

Core Functions

  1. OTV docking and resupply: Providing docking positions and propellant resupply for OTVs returning from completed deployment missions
  2. Maintenance and inspection: Performing status checks and maintenance on OTVs
  3. Mission handoff: Receiving OTVs that have completed a batch of deployment missions and preparing for the next batch
  4. Payload transfer: Serving as a transit storage point for payloads such as small satellites

Distinction from Traditional Approaches

In the hub-and-spoke architecture, the Orbital Residence Platform plays roles analogous to:

  • A "spaceport" in the aerospace domain
  • A "logistics hub" in cislunar space
  • A "command tower" for constellation deployment

Role in the Architecture

Position in the Deployment Workflow

The mission workflow described by Hu Min et al. (2026):

  1. Mission start: OTV departs from the platform to execute deployment missions
  2. Mission end: OTV returns to the platform after completing a batch of deployments
  3. Resupply cycle: Platform replenishes working fluid for the OTV and performs maintenance
  4. Mission continuation: OTV executes the next batch of deployment missions

Closed-Loop Operation Mechanism

The platform enables deployment missions to form a closed loop:

Platform -> OTV departure -> Sequential deployment -> OTV return -> Resupply and maintenance -> Platform -> OTV re-departure

This closed loop forms the basis for OTV reusability, achieving an efficient operational mode of single launch, multiple deployments.

Technical Characteristics

Co-Orbital Stationing

The platform co-orbits with the OTV, offering the following advantages:

  • Low transfer costs: OTV can dock without additional maneuvers
  • Flexible mission scheduling: OTV sorties can be dispatched as needed
  • High system reliability: Redundant design improves mission reliability

Resupply Capabilities

The platform should possess the following resupply capabilities:

Resupply TypeDescription
Propellant resupplyReplenishing working fluid for OTVs
Power resupplyCharging or powering OTVs
Thermal managementMaintaining suitable temperature environment for OTVs
Status monitoringInspecting OTV technical condition

Application Scenarios

Medium-to-High Orbit Satellite Deployment

In medium-to-high orbit navigation constellation deployment:

  • The platform is deployed near the target operational region
  • OTVs departing from the platform can cover multiple orbital planes
  • Full constellation deployment is completed through multiple cycles

Cislunar Space Transportation

In the cislunar space logistics system:

  • The platform can serve as a transit station for cislunar transfers
  • Supporting collaborative operation of multiple OTVs
  • Constructing a cislunar space transportation network

References

  • Hu Min, Xiao Jinwei, Zhang Tiantian, Tao Xuefeng. Mission Planning for Orbital Transfer Vehicles for Batch Deployment of Medium-to-High Orbit Small Satellites[J]. Spacecraft Engineering, 2026, 25(3): 634-646. (in Chinese)
  • Song Zhengyu. Control Technologies and Challenges for Promoting Continuous Innovation in Space Transportation Systems[J]. Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, 2025, 46(6): 531446. (in Chinese)