Hub and spoke model

Part of knowing what technology is needed, is knowing what goals we have. Here the European Space Agency’s vision can aid industry in targeting research and development.

According to ESA’s analyses, the future for space transportation will see spacecraft travel between hubs and stay in space operationally for a longer time, fulfilling several missions. The so-called hub-and-spoke model foresees infrastructure in space replacing one-off missions launched from Earth now. At a basic level, a fuel depot could store spacecraft fuel in orbit to replenish satellites or spacecraft for further missions.

Much like airports are logistical hubs on Earth, nodes in space could be staging posts, travel centres, areas of manufacturing and industry or repair and disposal of spacecraft.