A European "USB" to repair satellites in orbit and reduce space debris
An international team of researchers developed, under the EU-funded Space USB project, a prototype common interface to connect equipment to satellites in orbit. When the project concluded at the end of 2025, the team presented the "common passive interface", mechanically and electrically compatible with the three existing European interfaces: HOTDOCK, SIROM and iSSI. The goal is to make it easier to repair and upgrade satellites instead of replacing them, in a context of more than 16,000 satellites in orbit.
In 40 seconds
- The EU-funded Space USB project presented a common passive interface prototype when it concluded at the end of 2025.
- The prototype proved mechanically and electrically compatible with the three European interfaces: HOTDOCK, SIROM and iSSI.
- Standardization aims to enable repairs and upgrades in orbit instead of replacing satellites.
Read the full story at EL PAÍS
IASummary generated by artificial intelligence from a story by EL PAÍS. It may contain errors: the original source prevails.
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