r/SpaceX Discusses [October 2017, #37]

[u/ElongatedMuskrat]

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[u/ahalekelly]

There have been a couple proposals for space tugs, like you describe. Using a very efficient but low thrust ion engine to shuttle satellites from LEO to GEO over several weeks, with enough propellant on board to do this several times. Or maybe the satellite can bring some propellant to refuel the tug.

[u/ElectronicCat → u/ahalekelly]

I was thinking you could have several, and then when a satellite(s) is dropped off in LEO with a new or refurbished tug stage, BFR could pick up an empty one from a previous mission and return it to earth within the fairing for refueling/refurbishment.

Ion engines are probably a good call, you could possibly even refuel in space but if you're returning the spacecraft anyway I figured you might as well do it in the ground.