Correction: A previous version of this story erroneously quoted an SSL announcement. The quote has been fixed to reflect that MDA Holdings will add a refueling capability to the RSGS program.
Space Systems Loral has been awarded a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency contract for remote servicing of satellites.
DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites, or RSGS, program aims to create unmanned spacecraft that can maintain distant communications satellites.
“SSL is expected to provide a spacecraft to carry the robotic servicing payload and will manage integration and operation of the spacecraft,” according to an SSL announcement. “DARPA will contribute the robotics technology, expertise, and a government-provided launch. MDA [Holdings] will add a refueling capability to the RSGS program.
“RSGS will have the capability to perform multiple servicing missions for both planned and urgent customer needs, including: high-resolution inspection; refueling; correction of mechanical anomalies; assistance with relocation and other orbital maneuvers; and installation of attachable payloads, enabling upgrades to existing assets.”
SSL noted that the DARPA contract — its first from the Pentagon in years — “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.”
