SpaceLogistics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, is at the forefront of a new era in space technology – in-orbit satellite servicing. The company provides cooperative space logistics and servicing solutions to geosynchronous satellite operators using its fleet of innovative spacecraft. These include the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV), Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), and Mission Extension Pods (MEP).
SpaceLogistics’ mission is to enable satellite operators to extend the lives of their valuable space assets, activate new markets, drive asset value, and protect their franchises. By providing services such as life extension, inspection, repair, and augmentation, SpaceLogistics aims to revolutionize the way satellites are operated and maintained in space.
Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV)
The Mission Extension Vehicle is SpaceLogistics’ flagship offering and the industry’s first satellite life extension service. The MEV is designed to dock with geostationary satellites that are running low on fuel and provide the propulsion and attitude control needed to extend their operational lifetimes.
MEV-1, the first Mission Extension Vehicle, made history on February 25, 2020 when it successfully docked with the Intelsat IS-901 satellite. Once connected, the MEV used its own thrusters and fuel supply to boost the client satellite, giving it a new lease on life. When the customer no longer requires MEV’s services, the spacecraft can undock and move on to service the next client satellite.
Building on the success of MEV-1, the second Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) was launched on August 15, 2020 alongside the Northrop Grumman-built Galaxy 30 satellite. MEV-2 went on to dock with the Intelsat IS-1002 satellite on April 12, 2021, further demonstrating the viability and value of in-orbit servicing.
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV)
The Mission Robotic Vehicle represents the next generation of on-orbit servicing capabilities for SpaceLogistics. While the MRV leverages the proven rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) system of the MEV, it incorporates a state-of-the-art robotic arm payload in place of the docking system.
Developed and integrated by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the sophisticated robotics of the MRV will significantly expand the services SpaceLogistics can offer its clients. These enhanced capabilities include detailed robotic inspection, augmentation, relocation, repair, active debris removal, and docking with non-standard client spacecraft interfaces.
The Flight Robotic Arm System 1 (RAS-1), a key component of the MRV, has already demonstrated its capabilities in ground testing. In a series of exercises known as the “Gauntlet,” the robotic arm moved through a series of poses that exercised the full range of motion of all seven degrees of freedom. With the successful completion of integration and thermal vacuum testing, the MRV is one step closer to its groundbreaking mission.
Mission Extension Pods (MEP)
Mission Extension Pods represent SpaceLogistics’ next-generation life extension solution. Smaller and more cost-effective than the MEV, these pods are designed to provide orbit control capabilities to aging satellites. By augmenting the propulsion system of client spacecraft, MEPs can provide up to six years of additional operational life.
The Mission Robotic Vehicle will play a crucial role in the deployment of MEPs, using its advanced robotic capabilities to install the pods on existing commercial and government client satellites in orbit. This innovative approach allows SpaceLogistics to offer a more targeted and efficient life extension service, tailored to the specific needs of each client.
Future Capabilities and Vision
SpaceLogistics’ vision extends beyond its current offerings, with the company aiming to establish a fleet of commercial servicing vehicles in geostationary orbit capable of addressing a wide range of servicing needs. Northrop Grumman continues to invest heavily in the development of next-generation space logistics technologies, working closely with U.S. government agencies to push the boundaries of what is possible in orbit.
These future technologies include advanced robotics and high-power solar electric propulsion, which will enable a host of new services building upon the company’s “keep-it-simple” approach to satellite life extension. Some of the anticipated future services include:
- Propellant augmentation
- Inspection and repair
- Replacement or enhancement of parts and systems
- Incorporation of auxiliary propulsion, navigation, power, payloads, and other functions to enhance satellite performance or extend operational life
- In-orbit robotic assembly of space structures
By supporting industry-standard architectures, SpaceLogistics aims to maximize the number of spacecraft that can benefit from its services in the future.
Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) Program
SpaceLogistics has been selected by DARPA as the commercial partner for the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program. This groundbreaking mission will feature the first-ever commercial robotic servicing spacecraft, expanding the market for satellite servicing to include both commercial and government client satellites.
The RSGS program will leverage advanced robotics technology to enable capabilities such as in-orbit repair, augmentation, assembly, detailed inspection, and relocation of client satellites. By partnering with DARPA, SpaceLogistics is positioned at the forefront of this transformative technology, poised to reshape the future of satellite operations and space exploration.
Uncertainty in the Satellite Servicing Market
Despite the groundbreaking nature of SpaceLogistics’ offerings, the long-term demand and market opportunity for satellite servicing remain uncertain. Several factors contribute to this uncertainty:
- Limited number of serviceable satellites: Currently, only a fraction of the satellites in orbit are designed to be compatible with servicing spacecraft like the MEV or MRV. Many older satellites lack the necessary interfaces or were not designed with servicing in mind, limiting the potential customer base for SpaceLogistics’ services.
- Evolving satellite technology: As satellite technology continues to advance, the need for life extension services may diminish. Newer satellites are being designed with longer operational lifetimes, more efficient propulsion systems, and improved reliability, potentially reducing the demand for servicing in the future.
- Economic viability: The cost of satellite servicing must be weighed against the value of extending a satellite’s operational life. For some operators, it may be more economically viable to replace an aging satellite with a new one rather than invest in servicing, especially as the cost of satellite manufacturing and launch continues to decrease.
- Regulatory and legal challenges: The legal and regulatory framework governing in-orbit servicing is still evolving, with questions surrounding liability, ownership, and control of serviced satellites. These uncertainties may deter some satellite operators from engaging with servicing providers until clearer guidelines are established.
Despite these uncertainties, SpaceLogistics remains optimistic about the future of the satellite servicing market. As the company continues to demonstrate the viability and value of its services, it expects more satellite operators to design their spacecraft with servicing in mind, gradually expanding the addressable market.
Impact of Lower Launch Costs on Satellite Servicing Demand
The significant reduction in launch costs in recent years, driven largely by the advent of reusable launch vehicles and increased competition in the launch market, has the potential to impact the demand for satellite servicing in the long term.
As launch costs continue to decrease, satellite operators may opt to include more propellant in their spacecraft at the time of launch, effectively extending their operational lifetimes without the need for refueling services. This approach would allow satellites to carry out their missions for longer periods without relying on external servicing, potentially reducing the demand for life extension services like those offered by SpaceLogistics.
However, it is important to note that propellant is just one aspect of satellite servicing. Even with increased propellant capacity, satellites may still require other types of servicing, such as repairs, upgrades, or debris removal. Additionally, the ability to include more propellant at launch may be limited by the satellite’s design, mass constraints, and the capabilities of the launch vehicle.
Furthermore, the economic viability of including additional propellant versus engaging with a servicing provider will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific mission requirements, the cost of the satellite, and the expected return on investment. In some cases, it may still be more cost-effective to design a satellite with a shorter initial lifespan and rely on servicing to extend its operational life as needed.
As the satellite servicing market continues to evolve, SpaceLogistics will need to adapt its offerings to meet the changing needs of its customers. This may involve developing new services that complement the increased propellant capacity of modern satellites or focusing on niche markets where servicing remains a cost-effective solution. By remaining agile and responsive to market trends, SpaceLogistics can position itself to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the evolving space industry.
Summary
SpaceLogistics, with its innovative approach to in-orbit satellite servicing, is at the vanguard of a new era in space operations. Through its Mission Extension Vehicles, Mission Robotic Vehicle, and Mission Extension Pods, the company is providing satellite operators with unprecedented flexibility and control over their space assets.
While the long-term demand and market opportunity for satellite servicing remain uncertain, SpaceLogistics continues to demonstrate the viability and value of its services. As the company expands its capabilities and collaborates with government agencies like DARPA, it is well-positioned to shape the future of satellite operations and space exploration.
As the space industry continues to evolve, with lower launch costs and advancing satellite technology, SpaceLogistics will need to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of its customers. By remaining at the forefront of in-orbit servicing technology and developing new solutions to address the challenges of the evolving market, SpaceLogistics has the potential to revolutionize the way we operate and maintain satellites in space.
