The United States Naval Research Laboratory Naval Center for Space Technology, in collaboration with DARPA, has completed the development of a spaceflight qualified robotics suite capable of servicing satellites in orbit. This innovative capability, known as Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites Integrated Robotic Payload, was delivered to Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics for integration with its spacecraft bus. The successful completion of thermal vacuum testing represents a significant milestone towards demonstrating robotic servicing capabilities in orbit, which could potentially revolutionize satellite operations in geostationary orbit, reduce costs for satellite operators, and enhance national security and civil applications.
Satellites in geosynchronous orbit play a crucial role in military, government, and commercial communications, Earth-observing science, and national security services. However, these spacecraft face challenges due to the lack of in-orbit repair or upgrade capabilities, leading to increased complexity, weight, and cost. The development of the robotic payload aims to provide servicing opportunities for both commercial and government satellites, enabling inspections, orbital adjustments, hardware upgrades, and repairs. This advancement could allow satellites to receive in-orbit upgrades based on new technology to extend their service life.
The RSGS program, developed by NRL under DARPA funding, seeks to demonstrate the ability to upgrade and repair valuable commercial, civil, and national security satellites using robots. The recent completion of thermal vacuum testing involved testing the robotic payload under the range of temperatures and vacuum conditions it will encounter in space. This testing verified the functionality of all aspects of the payload, including avionics, cameras, lights, and robotic arms. The successful completion of this testing marks a significant milestone in NRL’s nearly decade-long effort to develop this transformative technology.
The RSGS program, which is expected to launch in 2026 on Northrop Grumman’s MRV spacecraft bus, has the potential to transform satellite operations and enable revolutionary capabilities in space. By leveraging robotics for satellite servicing, the program aims to extend the useful life of satellites, upgrade their capabilities, and potentially pave the way for building large structures in orbit. This advancement could lead to spacecraft that are more modular, easier to maintain, and capable of supporting a variety of new systems and missions. NRL’s collaboration with DARPA and Northrop Grumman highlights the importance of innovative research and development efforts in advancing space technology and enhancing the resilience of the U.S. space infrastructure.
