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
-
![EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI]()
EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI
The Portuguese company’s naval communications system is in service across more than a dozen countries. It has turned to its home nation for support in developing a new vehicle based C2 system.
-
![Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker]()
Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker
The Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology software is designed to process video and images by blending traditional computer vision with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to present actionable information from complex environments.
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
