Space Minds The Evolution of Multi-Mission Orbital Vehicles
Aug 7, 2025
Join Owen Stephens, director at the Space Force, and Seth Lacy, an air mobility scientist, alongside Michael Creech and Israel Figueroa from Firefly Aerospace, as they dive into the exciting world of multi-mission orbital vehicles. They discuss how these agile spacecraft can reshape space operations, emphasizing the importance of innovations in propulsion and modular designs. Insights into the complexities of satellite servicing and the need for a collaborative approach in federal acquisition processes highlight how to efficiently navigate the evolving landscape of space technology and missions.
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Core Capabilities Of Multi-Mission Vehicles
- Multi-mission vehicles prioritize high Delta-V and flexible payloads to perform varied roles in orbit.
- Colonel Owen Stephens emphasizes sensing, effects, and meaningful communications as core capabilities.
Reframe Mobility In Kilometers Per Second
- AFRL prioritizes advancing technologies that increase in-space mobility, high Delta-V, and refueling.
- Seth Lacy stresses we must think in kilometers-per-second, not meters-per-second, for true agility.
Use Hybrid Propulsion Strategically
- Use hybrid propulsion to balance rapid-response thrust and long-term efficiency.
- Colonel Owen Stephens recommends combining chemical-like quick-acceleration with electric propulsion for range.