DARPA's Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program leverages commercial space technology to inspect and repair aging or broken satellites in the geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), about 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) from Earth. [1]
According to DARPA, no options exist for visual diagnosis, upgrades, or repairs of a malfunctioning satellite's components, thus rendering these satellites space junk. [2] In 2020, DARPA selected Northrop Grumman's subsidiary SpaceLogistics as its RSGS partner. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory designed and developed the RSGS robotic arm with DARPA funding. The robotic arm has completed key tests and is on track to be launched to GEO in 2024 by Northrop Grumman's 3000-kilogram spacecraft. [2] After launch in 2024, there will be a period for checkout and calibration activities. [3] The DARPA robotic mechanic is anticipated to start making on-orbit service calls in space in 2025. [4]
SSL, formerly Space Systems/Loral, LLC (SS/L), of Palo Alto, California, is a wholly owned manufacturing subsidiary of Maxar Technologies.
Landsat 7 is the seventh satellite of the Landsat program. Launched on 15 April 1999, Landsat 7's primary goal is to refresh the global archive of satellite photos, providing up-to-date and cloud-free images. The Landsat program is managed and operated by the United States Geological Survey, and data from Landsat 7 is collected and distributed by the USGS. The NASA WorldWind project allows 3D images from Landsat 7 and other sources to be freely navigated and viewed from any angle. The satellite's companion, Earth Observing-1, trailed by one minute and followed the same orbital characteristics, but in 2011 its fuel was depleted and EO-1's orbit began to degrade. Landsat 7 was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems.
Orbital Sciences Corporation was an American company specializing in the design, manufacture, and launch of small- and medium- class space and launch vehicle systems for commercial, military and other government customers. In 2014, Orbital merged with Alliant Techsystems to create a new company called Orbital ATK, Inc., which in turn was purchased by Northrop Grumman in 2018. The remnants of the former Orbital Sciences Corporation became a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, known as Northrop Grumman Space Systems.
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This article documents expected notable spaceflight events during the year 2025.
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