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DARPA prepares robotic satellite servicing mission for launch in 2026

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Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and its industry partners are preparing for the launch of a robotic satellite servicing mission designed to demonstrate on-orbit maintenance and upgrade capabilities for spacecraft operating in geosynchronous orbit.

The mission, known as Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS), is scheduled for launch in summer 2026 and represents one of the most ambitious attempts so far to commercialize robotic satellite servicing technologies.

At the center of the mission is the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), a spacecraft equipped with a highly dexterous robotic servicing system capable of performing tasks such as satellite inspections, repairs, relocation, upgrades, and anomaly resolution while in orbit. [Read more…] about DARPA prepares robotic satellite servicing mission for launch in 2026

SSL selected to partner with Darpa to develop satellite servicing business

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Space Systems Loral, a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced it has been selected by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop the capability to service and maintain spacecraft and other infrastructure in the geostationary arc.

Darpa’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites program is expected to be the foundation of a new business for SSL that will serve both commercial and government operators with repair, upgrade, relocation, and refueling of on-orbit assets.

Howard Lance, chief executive officer, SSL MDA Holdings, says: “This will be SSL’s first spacecraft contract with the Department of Defense in recent years and it is the third time that we have been selected by the US government for a major program in just two months, following our recent selections for Nasa’s Restore-L and Psyche missions.

“It clearly demonstrates the success of our strategy to bring the benefits of our commercial business to a broader audience and to grow our business with US government work.”  [Read more…] about SSL selected to partner with Darpa to develop satellite servicing business