DARPA November 8, 2022
DARPA is seeking to create a persistent operational dexterous robotic capability in geosynchronous Earth orbit to enable on-orbit satellite repair and upgrade, extending satellite life spans, expanding the capabilities of existing satellites, enhancing spacecraft resilience, and improving the reliability of the current U.S. space infrastructure. All component-level tests are complete on DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program and the on-orbit demonstration mission is on schedule for launch in 2024. Following a period of checkout and calibration activities, the program anticipates on-orbit satellite servicing activities will begin in 2025. RSGS is intended to remain in orbit over the long term, solving problems on existing spacecraft as they arise, it has the ability to resupply it during flight with additional tools and hardware, enabling it to solve unanticipated or emerging challenges in GEO. With RSGS, DARPA is establishing the trajectory for an on-orbit servicing industry that benefits both government and commercial clients…read more. Video
Credit: DARPA.