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.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
