SpaceLogistics, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, has announced the launch date for the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV). It is planned to be sent into space in 2026.
Every year, satellite operators have to retire geostationary vehicles that could continue to operate but have exhausted all their fuel reserves. Not surprisingly, many companies are actively working on the development of various devices designed to extend the life of such satellites. One of them is Northrop Grumman. It currently has two operational space tugs (MEV-1 and MEV-2) servicing the geostationary satellites Intelsat 901 and Intelsat 10-02. They dock with them and hold them in a working position using their own engines.
The main disadvantage of such tugs is that they can only service one unit at a time. Therefore, engineers are actively working on the next step in the space service market, which should be the MRV vehicle.
The MRV is positioned as a universal solution. It will be able to perform repairs, change orbits, and also be used as a device for combating space debris. The vehicle will be equipped with a pair of robotic arms that will allow it to perform such tasks.
MRV’s first priority will be to extend the life of older geostationary vehicles. It will do this by approaching them, after which it will deploy 350-kilogram MEP mission extension capsules. They are a simplified version of MEVs without their own rendezvous and docking systems, thus reducing costs. The capsules will be launched into a transition orbit and travel by electric propulsion to a geosynchronous orbit. There they will dock with the MRV.
The MRV will then deliver each capsule to its client satellite, using one of its robotic arms to attach it to the engine nozzle. Once installed, the MEP will take over propulsion functions, maintaining the satellite’s orbital position and making it possible to perform the necessary maneuvers for about six years.
Engineers recently completed testing robotic arms in a vacuum chamber. They are now at Northrop Grumman’s facility awaiting installation on the MRV. As of now, it is scheduled to launch in 2026. The company already has several customers (including the military) who have wanted to use the service to extend the life of satellites.
Provided by Spacenews
