Mission Extension Vehicle spacecraft (MEV) of Northrop Grumman kept the Optus communications satellite in a given orbital position for more than a year. The MEV undocked from the satellite this week. A new robotic device should take its place.
In July 2026 year on the SpaceX Falcon rocket 9 four devices are displayed: Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) with two manipulators (developed with the participation of DARPA) and three compact Mission Extension Pods (MEP).
Communication satellites mostly terminate due to exhaustion of fuel to maintain orbital position. Optus, neglected 2009 year with an estimated service life 15 years, in 2027 year will receive one of the MEP modules. This will allow to continue its operation for another six years. Two MEVs are currently in orbit (launched in 2019 and 2020 years), which provided a total of ten years of resource extension for three customers.
MEV-2 will operate with the Intelsat satellite until 2030 year.
The new model provides, that operators will purchase and own MEP modules.
This will enable one MRV machine to serve multiple clients in sequence. The MRV is also designed for on-orbit refueling. The technology has potential defense applications. Northrop Grumman emphasizes, that its devices are intended exclusively for maintenance.
MRV will be able to work as a geostationary, as well as in low orbits.
Source: https://universemagazine.com