Quantum Space will demonstrate orbital refueling using its Ranger spacecraft under a recently awarded Pentagon contract.
The company announced June 18 it secured a contract from the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) for a fuel depot spacecraft demonstration that enables routine in-space refueling and extends spacecraft operational lifetimes
OECIF awards are focused on maturing first-of-its-kind energy technologies for future warfighitng platforms.
The announcement was light on specifics of what the demonstration will entail. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Quantum Space is developing the Ranger maneuverable spacecraft which it says will have one of the largest storable fuel capacities in its class at 4,000+ kg. It plans to launch its next mission, Ranger Prime in the second quarter of 2027 at the earliest.
Chris DePuma, OECIF’s Operational Energy and Combat Power portfolio lead, said the award accelerates the deployment of critical refueling infrastructure.
“For years, in-space refueling has been a concept on our capability roadmaps. Today, we are investing to make it an operational reality,” DePuma commented. “By removing traditional fuel constraints, we are not just keeping our vital assets ready — we are unlocking entirely new mission sets and novel operations, giving our space warfighters the sustained agility they need to outmaneuver threats in a dynamic domain.”
Quantum Space recently announced plans to go public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger with Inflection Point Acquisition at a $1.2 billion valuation.
