DARPA selects SSL for RSGS programme
DARPA has selected Space Systems Loral (SSL) as its commercial partner for its Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) programme, as it looks to lower the risks and costs of operating in geosynchronous orbit (GEO), a harsh and difficult-to-access domain that is critically important for both military and civilian space assets.
The programme aims to develop robotic technologies for the inspection and servicing of satellites in GEO more than 20,000 miles above the earth's surface; and demonstrate these technologies in orbit.
Under a public-private partnership, DARPA and SSL will share costs and responsibilities for the programme.
The plan is to develop a robotic module, including hardware and software, and provide technical expertise and a government-funded launch. SSL will provide the spacecraft and be responsible for integrating the module onto it to creating a robotic servicing vehicle (RSV), integrating the RSV onto the launch vehicle, and providing a mission operations centre and staff.
If the on-orbit demonstration should prove successful, SSL will operate the vehicle and make cooperative servicing available to both military and commercial GEO satellite owners on a fee-for-service basis.
RSGS will enable capabilities including high-resolution inspection; correction of various mechanical anomalies, such as solar array and antenna deployment malfunctions; assistance with relocation and other orbital manoeuvres; installation of attachable payloads, enabling upgrades or entirely new capabilities for existing assets; and refuelling.
As the RSGS public-private effort would be a first for DARPA in the space-servicing domain, the agency's selection of SSL and the pending agreement have been submitted for review by the Department of Defense's Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
