satellite servicing Archives

February 27, 2020February 27, 2020 by Evan Gough

A Commercial Satellite Just Docked with Another for the First Time, Opening Up a New Era in Orbital Maintenance

A view of Intelsat-901 from MEV-1 in its “near hold” position during approach from approximately 20 meters. Image Credit: Space Logistics LLC/Northrop Grumman

SpaceLogistics LLC has achieved a first: it’s docked it’s maintenance satellite, called MEV-1, with another satellite in order to extend the life of the satellite. The docked pair will perform some check-ups, and if all goes well, MEV-1 will boost the client satellite to a higher orbit, extending its operational life-span by about five years.

October 11, 2019October 11, 2019 by Evan Gough

A Satellite Just Launched Whose Job is to Extend the Life of Geosynchronous Satellites

MEV-1, Northrop-Grumman's Mission Extension Vehicle, can extend the life of geosynchronous orbit satellites. Image Credit: Northrop-Grumman, Space Logistics LLC.

Space Logistics LLC, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, has launched a satellite that can extend the life of other satellites. The satellite is called MEV-1, or Mission Extension Vehicle-1. MEV-1 is the first of its kind.