- June 23, 2021
- Posted by: Stratford Team
- Category: Business
TAMPA, Fla. — Satellite propulsion startup Benchmark Space Systems has secured customers for a new ‘mobility-as-a-service’ business, which similar to a taxi ride will charge them based on the amount of propellant they use.
Burlington, Vermont-based Benchmark said its in-space mobility service significantly reduces upfront propulsion costs for on-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (OSAM) ventures with indefinite propulsion needs.
Satellite operators could pay as little as 10% of the upfront cost for installing its thrusters under a long-term agreement, according to Benchmark executive vice president of business development Chris Carella, enabling them to amortize the rest of the expense as revenues come in.
“The contracts are intended to extend through the entire mission; however if there was a particular need to negotiate a handoff similar to buying out a lease, Benchmark would work to accommodate,” Carella told SpaceNews…
