An orbit transfer vehicle for transporting cargo between a low Earth orbit and a higher Earth orbit having a body and an engine operably coupled to the body. A reaction control system is further provided and is operably coupled to the body. The reaction control system having a plurality of thrusters capable of maneuvering the orbit transfer vehicle. The orbit transfer vehicle further includes an energy absorbing panel operable to gather energy and an energy storage device operable to store the energy. Still further, a payload interface mechanism is provided having a payload container area and a payload retaining device. The payload retaining device is connectable to the cargo. Lastly, a controller for autonomously controlling the engine, the reaction control system, and the payload interface mechanism to control the orbit transfer vehicle so as to transport the cargo between a low Earth orbit to a higher Earth orbit.
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