Roving geosynchronous orbit satellite maintenance system

摘要

A satellite maintenance system for satellite stations orbiting in the geosynchronous corridor comprising a roving satellite maintenance vehicle capable of operating autonomously in the geosynchronous corridor and containing replacement hardware in modular form by which maintenance operation can be made on the satellite station by the exchange of one module for another thereby repairing or upgrading the hardware in the satellite station to prolong its useful life. The maintenance vehicle is capable of operating in the corridor for prolonged periods of time in a standby mode and capable of proceeding, on command, to the satellite station to perform the maintenance function automatically.