Robotic Spacecraft Will Service Local Satellites & Build Remote Ones

摘要

NASA is getting closer to a long-held dream: using robots to refuel and service GEO (geosynchronous earth orbit) satellites in space, as well as to enable deeper space exploration. Benjamin Reed, who runs the program, told the overflowing audience all about the Restore-L mission and the technology that will make this happen in his keynote speech at UBM's Embedded Systems Conference in April. "Satellites aren't breaking as much as they used to, but they're still running out of fuel," said Reed, deputy program manager for the agency's Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO). About 1,000 continue to operate up there, but need fuel, repair, new parts, or upgrades of some kind.