An artist rendering of the Mission Extension Vehicle docked to a client satellite. (Provided by: Northrop Grumman SpaceLogistics)

The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded Northrop Grumman two in-space refueling contracts, the company said on Wednesday.

“These contracts build on Northrop Grumman’s proven on-orbit satellite servicing and refueling innovation, including first-of-its-kind mission extension services that protect critical space assets in Geosynchronous Orbit for both U.S. government and commercial partners,” the company said.

SSC awarded Northrop Grumman a contract for the Elixir refueling payload program. This program “will enable the Space Force to refine tactics and procedures for rendezvous and proximity operations, docking, refueling, and undocking of on-orbit vehicles – foundational capabilities for servicing, mobility and logistics,” Northrop said.

Under a separate contract, the Space Force made a multi-unit ESPAStar purchase. One of these spacecraft will host the refueling demonstration payload on its ride to space.

Northrop Grumman said on Wednesday that Elixir builds upon its work for SSC on the Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker and “includes elements to successfully perform rendezvous and proximity operations, dock and undock with a demonstration client satellite, to transfer and receive fuel.”

“The refueling payload will be equipped with the company’s Active Refueling Module (ARM), which interfaces with Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) for the transfer and receipt of fuel,” the company said. “Operational client satellites equipped with PRMs will benefit from this mature technology because they can be refueled.

The company’s PRM was approved by SSC’s Space Systems Integration Office last year as a refueling interface for consideration by SSC programs. Multiple PRM flight units are currently in production for the Space Force.

A version of this story was first published by Defense Daily