satellite servicing
Orbit Fab to test refueling technology on ISS
A startup company with plans to develop orbiting propellant depots will fly an experiment to the International Space Station next month to demonstrate some of its key technologies.
Effective Space announces partnership with IAI for satellite servicing development
Effective Space, a startup developing a satellite servicing system, announced Sept. 11 an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to provide technical and financial support.
Rescind the proposed budget cut for launching DARPA’s RSGS robotic servicing spacecraft
The need to use these spacecraft also as bodyguards is the strongest reason to rescind the Senate's proposed budget cut for launching our first robotic servicing spacecraft. Any delay in its launch would greatly increase the chance of a space Pearl Harbor.
Startup plans “gas stations” for satellite servicing
A startup company planning to develop orbital propellant depots to assist satellite servicing ventures has raised an initial round of funding to support a first launch as soon as next year.
Why Intelsat’s going with life extension over refueling
Intelsat-901, a 17-year-old communications satellite running low on propellant, is awaiting a first-of-its-kind service call from a robotic spacecraft carrying a fresh tank of fuel.
![“DARPA and NASA have done [servicing] demonstrations in the past but to get traction for a sustained business is a big deal.”
— Al Tadros, SSL vice president for
space infrastructure and civil space.
Credit: SSL](https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/servicing_satellite_NASA-1-300x200.jpg)
SSL aims to parlay NASA, DARPA work into viable in-orbit repair business
SSL is investing in on-orbit servicing because “mission extension is a game changer,” said Michael Gabor, advanced programs director for SSL Government Systems.
Orbital ATK’s giant leap into satellite servicing begins with baby steps
Orbital ATK subsidiary SpaceLogistics plans to offer customers a wide range of products and services, beginning with its Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) and progressing to in-orbit spacecraft assembly, repair and cis-lunar transportation.
Orbital ATK, SSL and others are gearing up to make house calls to ailing satellites
Satellite owners, satellite manufacturers, NASA and DARPA are planning a series of demonstrations to prove spacecraft can be repaired or refueled in orbit without the type of ambitious and expensive effort NASA devoted to servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.
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.
The Trump self-defense doctrine for the new space era
In the face of emerging novel threats and vulnerabilities, whether the self-defense doctrine allows us to counter the threat before the attack occurs can make the difference between peace and war.
DARPA working group begins addressing concerns related to proximity operations and satellite servicing
A major challenge facing companies planning to perform on-orbit servicing will be ensuring satellite operators do not view their activities as potential threats.
Orbital ATK unveils new version of satellite servicing vehicle
Orbital ATK announced March 13 it is developing a new version of a satellite life extension vehicle intended to provide more flexibility to customers while also moving the company closer to more advanced in-space servicing.
Effective Space reserves ILS Proton rideshare for two satellite servicers
Effective Space Solutions, a company developing spacecraft that can extend the lives of telecommunications satellites, has arranged to launch its first two spacecraft on a Russian Proton rocket in 2020.
Judge rejects motion to dismiss SSL-Orbital ATK suit
A federal judge denied a motion by Orbital ATK to dismiss a lawsuit filed last year by Space Systems Loral seeking damages for alleged unauthorized access to information about its satellite servicing technologies.
Scientists and engineers push for servicing and assembly of future space observatories
A group of astronomers and engineers is seeking to convince NASA to study in-space servicing and assembly of future space telescopes, including the role the proposed Deep Space Gateway could play to support it.
FCC begins approval of Orbital ATK satellite-servicing mission for Intelsat-901
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Dec. 5 okayed the first part of a satellite-servicing mission Orbital ATK’s Space Logistic subsidiary has with Intelsat, saying the servicing vehicle can execute “rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking with the Intelsat-901” satellite while in a graveyard orbit.
