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Private Mission Launches to Extend Life of Out-of-Gas Communication Satellites
The mission will test robotic satellite servicing in geosynchronous orbit and could extend satellite life by about six years per pod, Northrop Grumman said.
- SpaceX is aiming to launch the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotic Vehicle and three Mission Extension Pods from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Tuesday afternoon to service satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
- The MRV is a robotic spacecraft for satellite servicing, while the three MEPs function as "jetpacks" that Northrop Grumman describes as providing propulsion augmentation and extending satellite life by an additional six years.
- Developed by the Naval Research Laboratory, the MRV features robotic arms with "seven degrees of freedom" that enable the spacecraft to inspect, repair, and upgrade satellites while in orbit.
- This mission marks the 32nd and final flight for Falcon 9 booster B1069, with Space Launch Delta 45 weather squadron forecasting a 75% chance of favorable conditions for the 5:15 p.m. launch window.
- Rob Hauge, president of SpaceLogistics, said this mission represents the future of on-orbit servicing, delivering the next generation of in-space sustainment technologies to increase customer value.
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SpaceX launches Northrop mission to extend the life of aging satellites
DARPA-backed vehicle will install propulsion pods on three commercial satellites in geostationary orbit The post SpaceX launches Northrop mission to extend the life of aging satellites appeared first on SpaceNews.
·Denver, United States
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The Toronto Star+22 Reposted by 22 other sources
Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A two-armed space robot blasted off on a private salvage operation Tuesday afternoon to slap life-extending jetpacks on old satellites running low on fuel thousands of miles up.
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources47
Leaning Left16Leaning Right1Center24Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Center
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
59% Center
L 39%
C 59%
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