in-orbit servicing
Space Force looking at what it will take to refuel satellites in orbit
The U.S. Space Force in 2025 plans to launch to geostationary orbit three small satellites that will attempt to dock with a propellant tanker so they can be refueled in space.
Orbit Fab secures deal to refuel Astroscale’s satellite-servicing robots
Astroscale U.S., a provider of on-orbit services to extend the life of satellites, has signed an agreement to use Orbit Fab’s in-space fuel tankers.
China launches classified space debris mitigation technology satellite
China launched the Shijian-21 satellite from Xichang late Saturday with the stated aim of testing space debris mitigation technologies.
Orbit Fab signs technology sharing agreement with U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory
Orbit Fab, a venture-funded startup offering a refueling service in space, has signed a technology sharing agreement with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
Northrop Grumman to launch new satellite-servicing robot aimed at commercial and government market
Northrop Grumman in 2024 plans to launch a new servicing vehicle equipped with a robotic arm that will install propulsion jet packs on dying satellites.
Space Force foresees need for fast response launch vehicles and in-space logistics
“Space mobility and logistics” are identified in the new Space Force doctrine as core competencies of the service.
Companies are flying old satellites longer, study finds
Nearly a third of commercial geostationary communications satellites in orbit are operating beyond their design lives, a far higher figure than previous years, according to a study.
Maxar’s exit from DARPA satellite servicing program a cautionary tale
James Vedda, analyst at Aerospace Corp., said the RSGS setback should not be read “as an indictment of satellite servicing.”
DARPA hopes for budget compromise on satellite servicing mission
The Trump administration objected to funding cuts that would delay RSGS launch, calling it an “innovative public-private partnership to demonstrate on-orbit repair, refueling and other servicing capabilities."
Maxar moves to capture satellite-servicing business in U.K, Europe
Maxar announced a $1.3 million deal with the UK Space Agency to develop space robotics technology in the United Kingdom.
In-orbit services poised to become big business
The Mission Extension Vehicle built by Orbital ATK on behalf of subsidiary SpaceLogistics, will the first of several such robotic craft that are poised to compete for a share of about $3 billion worth of in-orbit services that satellite operators and government agencies are projected to buy over the coming decade.
Q&A | Intelsat’s Stephen Spengler on HTS, life post-OneWeb merger attempt, and in-orbit servicing
WASHINGTON and MOSCOW — Five years ago this month, Intelsat ordered the first of what is now six high-throughput Epic-class satellites. That soon-to-be global network is now mostly in orbit, with the fifth satelli…
Intelsat’s slow-to-orbit IS-33e proving slow to attract customers
Intelsat-33e, which took longer to enter service because of a broken thruster, is now taking longer than expected to fill with paying customers.
On-orbit operations the next frontier for space, experts say
Operating while in orbit is the next big challenge for the space sector, be it manufacturing, assembly, satellite servicing, or debris removal, experts said.
Satellite servicing a chance for industry-first development, DoD official says
DARPA program is an opportunity for the Pentagon to let industry lead experimental technology rather than try to adhere to strict requirements guidelines.
Malin to build camera for DARPA and SSL’s satellite-servicing mission
The San Diego, California, based company won a $10.9 million contract to build a camera for the robotic satellite-servicing mission.
Orbital ATK believes in satellite servicing, but not rocket reusability
Orbital ATK said it would begin substantial investment this year into a commercial satellite in-orbit servicing vehicle that should be operational by early 2019 without any government development support.
