NASA set to launch a new industry: satellite servicing
NASA is looking to jumpstart a competitive industry in satellite servicing, with its Restore-L mission which plans to launch a robotic spacecraft in 2020 that can refuel and maintain satellites. Such servicing capabilities are expected to have a significant impact on satellite owners' ability to manage space assets, prevent data losses, and protect revenues by increasing the lifetime of satellites repairing rather than scrapping them; it could also help to address the increasing problem of space debris management.

NASA has greenlighted its Restore-L mission, which will develop and launch a robotic spacecraft that will refuel and maintain satellites.

NASA’s Restore-L mission, which will see the development and launch of a robotic spacecraft that will be able to refuel and maintain satellites, has been given the go ahead.

The Restore-L mission envisions the development of an unmanned craft that could connect to satellites in orbit through the use of sophisticated arms that could catch its client’s orbiters.

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The craft could further – through the use of a propellant transfer system – deliver precise quantities of fuel at the correct temperature and pressure.

The Restore-L mission could change the way that government organizations and private organizations – such as SpaceX, for example – make use of satellites; the ability to refuel and potentially repair orbiting satellites could greatly increase their lifespan and prevent catastrophic failure.

The project further envisions that agencies could deploy satellites with half-empty fuel tanks with the view of fitting more instruments aboard.

NASA’s Deputy Project Manager, Benjamin Reed, stated that “With robotic servicing on the table, satellite owners can extend the lifespan of satellites that are running low on fuel, reaping additional years of service ““ and revenue ““ from their initial investment. If a solar array or a communications antenna fails to deploy, a servicer with inspection cameras and the right repair tools could help recover the asset that otherwise would have been lost. The loss of an anticipated revenue or data stream can be devastating.”

NASA also aims to use Restore-L to test technologies – such as its navigation system, robotic arms, software and debris management – that will be used on future voyages to Mars and other locations.

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What are your thoughts on the Restore-L mission? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA

Source: NASA TV