Ballbot-Inspired Orbital Refueling Depot: ACost-Effective Approach to In-Orbit Servicing

Evaluating the effectiveness of any space mission is a complex task. Balanc-ing a large number of variables, such as different design and launch optionsand expected lifetimes, is crucial to maximizing cost efficiency in any mission.An important consideration is the use of an orbital refueling depot satellite toenhance service operations without the disadvantage caused by initial added fuelon cost of payload. In this paper, we present a novel concept for satellite struc-ture architecture aimed at extending operational life through on-orbit servicing(OOS), with a primary emphasis on refueling capabilities. We provide a Multi-Attribute Trade Space Exploration (MATE), using key design attributes, DeltaV, servicing capacity, and total mass, we demonstrate that both the ballbotstructure and electric propulsion emerge as optimal configurations