orbital refueling

Orbital refueling is the process of supplying fuel to spacecraft while they are in orbit around Earth or another celestial body. This allows a spacecraft to extend its mission duration, perform more complex tasks, or reach further destinations without needing to return to Earth for fuel. It typically involves transferring fuel from one spacecraft (a tanker) to another (the receiving spacecraft). This technology is crucial for deep space exploration, as it enables longer missions and supports the potential for human exploration beyond the Moon and Mars.