Liftero, a Polish leader in propulsion technologies for space missions, has signed a contract with OrbitAID Aerospace to supply two BOOSTER propulsion systems equipped with more than ten engines in total. The system designed and built by Liftero will be the world’s first operational space propulsion solution powered by nitrous oxide (N₂O) capable of enabling full six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) maneuverability. Liftero’s technology will be used for in-orbit servicing operations, including rendezvous, docking, and satellite refueling.
This is the largest engine order in the company’s history. The contract will be fully executed this year and is expected to generate higher revenue for Liftero than the company achieved in all of 2025, while still leaving part of its current production capacity available. OrbitAID plans to launch the mission no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2026. The two companies are also conducting advanced discussions regarding a framework agreement covering future cooperation in the field of in-orbit servicing.
“Our proprietary BOOSTER system in a multi-engine configuration will be the world’s first operational N₂O-powered propulsion system capable of full 6-DOF control in space,” said Tomasz Palacz. “This is a tremendous challenge involving many pioneering elements on both our side and that of our partner, who has once again entrusted us with this mission-critical aspect of the entire space operation.”
So far, only one attempt has been made to use non-toxic chemical propulsion in a similar architecture, but it failed due to a system malfunction. If everything proceeds according to plan, Liftero will become the first company to demonstrate a fully operational non-toxic 6-DOF propulsion system in an orbital mission. According to Palacz, the milestone would further confirm that the company’s green chemical propulsion technology is ready for broader market adoption, offering high performance and reliability while avoiding the high operational costs associated with traditional toxic propellants.
Propulsion systems for satellite servicing missions
The BOOSTER propulsion systems will be integrated into two spacecraft: a servicing spacecraft (the “chaser”) and a target satellite. Achieving six-degrees-of-freedom maneuverability will enable the mission to perform all required operations—from long-distance orbital rendezvous to precise docking maneuvers, where tolerances shrink from centimeters during approach to millimeters at the moment of connection.
“We selected the BOOSTER system because of its versatility and its ability to meet the performance requirements of our servicing satellites,” said Sakthikumar R. “Our mission requires a non-standard propulsion configuration, and Liftero demonstrated that their approach enables rapid, practical, and cost-efficient customization even under tight timelines. We look forward to the upcoming launch and to future joint missions.”
BOOSTER is a propulsion system using non-toxic propellants—nitrous oxide and ethane—designed for satellites weighing between 20 and 500 kilograms. The system can be configured to meet the requirements of demanding missions such as orbital servicing, controlled de-orbit operations, missions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO), as well as satellite constellations.
Liftero designed BOOSTER to allow flexible adaptation to specific mission requirements while maintaining cost efficiency and short production times. The first BOOSTER system was launched into orbit in March 2025 aboard a SpaceX Transporter-13 mission and has been operating nominally in space, providing the company with valuable flight heritage in the highly competitive space market.
If additional BOOSTER systems are launched as planned—potentially as early as 2026—more than a dozen Liftero engines could be operating in orbit. Such a level of commercialization significantly strengthens the credibility of the technology, builds confidence among potential clients, and increases the company’s ability to secure further contracts.
In-orbit servicing as a key trend in the space sector
The market for in-orbit satellite servicing is emerging as one of the most important areas for the development of Earth’s orbital infrastructure and future deep-space missions. Its estimated value is expected to reach approximately $5.2 billion in 2026 and grow to $12.6 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.4% between 2026 and 2035. Advances in orbital refueling could significantly extend the operational life of satellites and support missions traveling farther into space.
“Demand for these services is growing from multiple directions simultaneously,” said Przemysław Drożdż. “Commercial operators need solutions that allow them to maximize the value of satellites by extending their operational life through refueling. Meanwhile, the defense sector—both in NATO countries and in regions such as India and the Pacific—is accelerating investments in responsive space logistics and capabilities for maneuvering and servicing orbital assets.”
Each of these missions requires chemical propulsion systems capable of performing precise, repeatable maneuvers on demand with high reliability and immediate response. According to Drożdż, the mission carried out jointly by Liftero and OrbitAID aims to demonstrate exactly this functionality under real operational conditions.
OrbitAID Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. is an emerging Indian space technology startup focused on sustainable space operations through satellite servicing and refueling solutions. The company develops services designed to extend satellite lifespans, reduce replacement costs, and limit the growth of space debris.
OrbitAID is currently working on India’s first in-orbit servicing mission, which will demonstrate satellite docking, in-space refueling, and life-extension technologies. The company’s long-term vision is to build an infrastructure of orbital fuel stations supporting the rapidly growing global space economy. OrbitAID is headquartered in Chennai, India, with its research and development center located in Bangalore.
