DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program is now slated for launch in summer 2026. The program`s main objective is developing and demonstrating technologies that enable cooperative inspection and servicing of satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). This orbit is located at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. Hundreds of military, government, and commercial satellites.
It is utilized for providing communications, meteorology, data relay, and national security services. But the distance from earth prevents inspection and diagnosis of malfunctioning components, as well as sub-system upgrades or repairs.
DARPA is leading the development of the robotic front-end (Mission Robotic Vehicle) in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). SpaceLogistics, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, is leading integration.
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) is equipped with two highly dexterous robotic arms designed to perform complex tasks such as on-orbit upgrades, inspections, anomaly resolution, satellite relocation and active debris removal.
Originally scheduled for launch in 2024, the The MRV leverages the heritage Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) system of the MEV, but incorporates a robotic arm payload in place of the MEV’s docking system.
The MRV incorporates electric propulsion for orbital maneuvering, two visible cameras, two infrared cameras, two light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, dual fault-tolerant RPOD, single fault-tolerant MEV bus and a refuelable chemical propulsion system for RPOD.
MEV was based on the GEOStar 3 bus that is modified to safely rendezvous and dock with an orbiting satellite in the geosynchronous orbit. To do so, a suite of integrated proximity sensors is used to reliably and safely rendezvous with the client satellite. The MEV then utilized a simple mechanical docking system that attaches to existing features on the client satellite creating a firm connection between the MEV and the client satellite. This docking system is compatible with an estimated 80 percent of all geosynchronous satellites on orbit today.
SpaceLogistics is the global leader in the development and deployment of on-orbit satellite servicing systems and the first company to perform on-orbit servicing missions (MEV-1 in 2020 and MEV-2 in 2021) for commercial GEO satellites.
By transitioning from a paradigm of disposable space assets to one of sustainable, upgradable, and resilient satellites, RSGS aims to fundamentally alter space operations for both the public and private sectors.
This demonstrator mission can enable many customer benefits like prolonging revenues by extending satellite life, protecting current revenue streams by
creating on-orbit backup and protecting satellite revenues from procurement delays and launch failures.
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