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Northrop Grumman subsidiary SpaceLogistics has announced a launch agreement for its Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft with SpaceX, which is set to provide launch services for a planned spring 2024 launch of the MRV and several Mission Extension Pods (MEPs).
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Australian telecommunications company Optus has completed a purchase agreement with SpaceLogistics for installation of one of the MEPs on its D3 satellite in 2025.
“Our contracts with SpaceX and Optus are tangible evidence of our momentum and commitment to deliver second-generation on-orbit servicing technologies to the satellite industry,” vice president of business development for SpaceLogistics Joseph Anderson said.
“We are thrilled to have Optus as our premier MEP customer as we continue pioneering the future of space and expanding the realm of what is possible with on-orbit servicing and sustainment.”
The launch is set to mark the first time a robotic-capable spacecraft will ascend into space to provide persistent robotic servicing capabilities in geostationary orbit (GEO).
The MRV is expected to perform a series of on-orbit tests of its robotic-arm payload as it carries out its primary mission, installing MEPs on commercial satellites.
The MEP is tipped to provide six years of life extension for a typical 2,000-kilogram satellite in GEO.
“Optus’ partnership with SpaceLogistics will leverage their cutting edge MRV and MEP capability to increase the life of Optus’ D3 satellite. This innovative move along with the future launch of Optus 11 will benefit our customers,” Ben White, managing director, wholesale, satellite and strategy at Optus, said.
The robotics of the next-generation MRV aim to expand the services SpaceLogistics currently offers to include augmentation, detailed robotic inspection, relocation and repair.
“Satellite owners are demonstrating enthusiasm and confidence for our life-extension solutions and the potential cost savings they could provide,” Anderson added.
“Our Optus contract represents our third service contract with commercial satellite providers, and with several signed term sheets in queue our installation manifest for MEPs is already full for 2025 and nearly full for 2026.”
The MRV and MEP completed preliminary design reviews in fall 2021 and are scheduled for critical design reviews in 2022 and launch in 2024.
[Related: Northrop Grumman advances anti-radiation missile project]
