Robotic Vehicle for On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Missions Nears Delivery
Robotics Payload Received by Northrop Grumman Corporation
A Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) under development by Northrop Grumman Corporation is nearly ready for delivery after two robotic arms and electronics were shipped to the contractor by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
“We are creating an in-space servicing infrastructure that has never existed before."
Rob Hague, NGC Space Logistics
The delivery brings the company one step closer to delivering the first commercial spacecraft with robotic servicing capabilities for commercial and government satellites. In geosynchronous earth orbit (22,500 miles above Earth), MRV will inspect, relocate, repair and offer other in-space servicing missions, including the installation of the company’s Mission Extension Pods to sustain existing capabilities on-orbit. Once the robotics payload, developed for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites program, is fully integrated, the completed MRV spacecraft will go through environmental testing to validate its performance in space.
“We are creating an in-space servicing infrastructure that has never existed before. Our successful experience in rendezvous, proximity operations and docking has laid the foundation for this critical next step in creating a more sustainable model for future satellite operations,” said Rob Hauge, president, SpaceLogistics.
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites Integrated Robotic Payload was developed by NRL by DARPA. "The recent completion of thermal vacuum testing marks a major milestone toward achieving the program's goal of demonstrating robotic servicing capabilities on orbit in the near future," said NRL Director of Research Bruce Danly. "NRL's contributions to the robotic payload are an essential part of realizing this vision, which promises to transform satellite operations in geostationary orbit, reduce costs for satellite operators, and enable capabilities well beyond what we have today. In fact, the anticipated capabilities are potentially revolutionary for both national security and civil applications."
"Currently, spacecraft face significant challenges, in part because of the inability to perform in-orbit repairs or upgrades. To compensate for the lack of servicing options, satellites are often loaded with backup systems and excess fuel, leading to increased complexity, weight and cost. Should this project prove successful, satellites can receive in-orbit upgrades based on new technology to extend their service life," said Bernie Kelm, NRL NCST superintendent of the spacecraft engineering division.
"The military regularly fixes aircraft, tanks, ships and trucks that break. We upgrade aircraft and ships with the latest radars, computers and engines," said Glen Henshaw, NRL senior scientist for Robotics and Autonomous Systems. "Satellites are the only expensive equipment we buy that can't be repaired or upgraded once they are in the field, and this costs the taxpayer money. RSGS is intended to change this situation; we intend to demonstrate that we can upgrade and repair these valuable assets using robots."