The Exploration Company awarded InSPoC-1 Phase B2 and selected for phases B2-C-D-E to advance European in-orbit docking, refuelling, and interface standards.‍

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The Exploration Company (TEC) announces the award and contract signature with European Space Agency (ESA) of In-Space Proof-of-Concepts 1 (InSPoC-1) Phase B2 and its selection for subsequent definition phases C, D, and E Within ESA’s programme for future space transportation, FLPP. This marks an historic milestone toward European routine, commercial in-orbit operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).  Building on Nyx, TEC’s modular orbital vehicle currently progressing through NASA’s certification process for docking with the International Space Station, InSPoC-1 broadens the company’s offer into commercial in-orbit services by demonstrating prepared and collaborative docking between two commercial spacecraft and the transfer of storable propellant.

The Exploration Company leads a European consortium that includes Thales Alenia Space, GMV, SENER, Almatech, and CDS. The InSPoC-1 mission scenario pairs TEC’s Oura spacecraft with a targeted cooperating LEO client spacecraft, enabling a representative end-to-end demonstration of cooperative rendezvous, docking, refilling, and power and data exchange.

Phase B2 focuses on raising to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 the technologies required for safe and repeatable operations between two spacecraft.

The work program includes:  
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• Safe rendezvous and proximity operations to enable cooperative and prepared docking
• Demonstration of non-cryogenic propellant transfer between two LEO spacecraft
• Power and data transfer across a docked configuration
• Operational procedures, autonomy, and Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) tuned to mission safety and repeatability

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InSPoC-1 also includes structured engagement with European industry through a Users’ Club and dedicated working groups to converge on baseline European interfaces. Priorities include a passive docking interface compatible with European active docking subsystems and a reference RPOD sequence that supports safe multi-provider operations. Draft baselines will be shared during Phase B2 with the objective of easing adoption by European space prime contractors and accelerating the path from demonstration to operational services.

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The Exploration Company views InSPoC-1 as an enabler to develop European solutions for the commercial in-orbit services market and as a foundation for dual-use scenarios where the same technologies support governmental applications. Precision Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD), cooperative docking, non-cryogenic refuelling, and robust power and data interconnects contribute to resilience, mission flexibility, and European autonomy in orbit.
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Media contact:

media@exploration.space

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