Mission Extension Vehicle

Intelsat To Sustainably Extend Life of Four Satellites By 2027

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 20, 2023

The new contract represents the fourth deal with SpaceLogistics, following an order for a single MEP in April 2023 and two Mission Extension Vehicles (MEVs) already in service with Intelsat satellites.

Key Points: 
  • The new contract represents the fourth deal with SpaceLogistics, following an order for a single MEP in April 2023 and two Mission Extension Vehicles (MEVs) already in service with Intelsat satellites.
  • “Intelsat is the industry leader in space sustainability and SpaceLogistics is a vital part of that,” said Intelsat Chief Technology Officer, Bruno Fromont.
  • Both MEP and MRV have completed critical design reviews, are in assembly and testing, and are proceeding toward launch.
  • In 2021, a second Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) began providing similar life-extension services for Intelsat 10-02.

Global On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Markets 2023-2030 with Maxar Technologies, Astroscale, SpaceLogistics, Airbus, and Thales Alenia Space Dominating

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 7, 2023

However, Rapid advancements in satellite technology can lead to the obsolescence of on-orbit satellite services are limiting the overall growth of the market.

Key Points: 
  • However, Rapid advancements in satellite technology can lead to the obsolescence of on-orbit satellite services are limiting the overall growth of the market.
  • Robotic Servicing: The largest share of the on-orbit satellite servicing market by Service in 2023.
  • Overall, the commercial on-orbit satellite servicing market is expected to experience rapid growth as more satellite operators seek to maximize the value and utility of their space assets.
  • Prominent companies in the on-orbit satellite servicing market are Maxar Technologies (US), Astroscale Holdings Inc. (Japan), SpaceLogistics LLC (US), Airbus SE (Netherlands), and Thales Alenia Space (France), among others.

Intelsat to Extend Life of Satellite with new Mission Extension Pod

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 13, 2023

Intelsat , operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), ordered a Mission Extension Pod (MEP) from Northrop Grumman Corporation’s SpaceLogistics, which will add life to an Intelsat satellite and provide uninterrupted services to many customers.

Key Points: 
  • Intelsat , operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), ordered a Mission Extension Pod (MEP) from Northrop Grumman Corporation’s SpaceLogistics, which will add life to an Intelsat satellite and provide uninterrupted services to many customers.
  • The MEP “jet pack” will be installed by SpaceLogistics' mission robotic vehicle (MRV) on an Intelsat satellite operating in geosynchronous orbit, ensuring continuity of satellite service for at least six years beginning in 2026.
  • “Intelsat is committed to safe and sustainable stewardship of space,” said Intelsat Chief Technology Officer Bruno Fromont.
  • In 2021, a second Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) began providing similar life-extension services for Intelsat 10-02.

Global Space In-Orbit Refueling Market Report 2022-2032: Increase in Investments for Startups & Rise in Demand for In-Space Services

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The major factor driving the market growth is expected to be the increase in demand for sustainable and reusable space systems.

Key Points: 
  • The major factor driving the market growth is expected to be the increase in demand for sustainable and reusable space systems.
  • Commercial players are expected to extract the maximum benefit of the space in-orbit refueling technologies.
  • Note: Based on primary interviews and key developments by companies, the market for space in-orbit refueling is expected to observe scheduled commercial services by 2026.
  • However, in the past 5 years, multiple established players and startups have entered the market and are now full-fledged working on the refueling capabilities.

Global Space In-Orbit Refueling Market Research Report 2022: Market to Grow by a Staggering 103.85% During 2026 and 2032 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 20, 2022

The major factor driving the market growth is expected to be the increase in demand for sustainable and reusable space systems.

Key Points: 
  • The major factor driving the market growth is expected to be the increase in demand for sustainable and reusable space systems.
  • Commercial players are expected to extract the maximum benefit of the space in-orbit refueling technologies.
  • Note: Based on primary interviews and key developments by companies, the market for space in-orbit refueling is expected to observe scheduled commercial services by 2026.
  • The players operating in the space in-orbit refueling market are engaged in several strategies, including strategic partnerships, contracts, agreements, and business expansion.

CAES’ Quad Core LEON4FT Processor Selected for Next-Generation On-orbit Servicing Spacecraft

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 21, 2022

(Photo: Business Wire)

Key Points: 
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    The MRV is the second-generation servicing vehicle following the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) which was deployed in 2020 to extend the life of aging satellites in orbit.
  • Both vehicles provide life extension services, but the MRV uses robotic arms to add on-orbit augmentation, inspection and repair services.
  • CAES latest fault tolerant, quad GR740 (LEON FT processor) will be used in the bus avionics and robotics interface of the MRV and in the POD Avionics of the MEP.
  • We are excited to see our GR740 processor deployed in keeping satellites in service for much longer than their original mission timelines.

Intelsat Announces Successful Launch of Galaxy 30 Satellite and Northrop Grumman’s Second Mission Extension Vehicle

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, August 16, 2020

(Photo: Business Wire)

Key Points: 
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    Northrop Grummans Mission Extension Vehicle 2 (MEV-2) was part of the same successful launch today.
  • Galaxy 30 separated from the rocket at 6:31 p.m. EDT, and Intelsat confirmed its signal acquisition at 7:02 p.m. EDT.
  • Todays launch of Galaxy 30 demonstrates Intelsats long-term commitment to our North American media customers, said Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler.
  • Todays launch was especially important for Intelsat because Northrop Grummans innovative MEV-2 launched alongside Galaxy 30, continued Spengler.

Intelsat 901 Satellite Returns to Service Using Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 17, 2020

Intelsat then transitioned roughly 30 of its commercial and government customers to the satellite on April 2.

Key Points: 
  • Intelsat then transitioned roughly 30 of its commercial and government customers to the satellite on April 2.
  • I want to thank Northrop Grumman, SpaceLogistics and our valued Intelsat customers, who put their trust in us to successfully execute this historic mission.
  • Intelsat has already also contracted with Northrop Grumman for a second MEV (MEV-2) to service Intelsat 1002 satellite later this year.
  • As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the worlds largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructure.

Maxar Technologies' MDA to provide mission-critical sensors for the SPACE DRONE™ on-orbit servicing spacecraft built by UK's Effective Space

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Two SPACE DRONE spacecraft will be launched into orbit in 2020, as part of a $100 million contract with a major regional satellite operator.

Key Points: 
  • Two SPACE DRONE spacecraft will be launched into orbit in 2020, as part of a $100 million contract with a major regional satellite operator.
  • To allow the SPACE DRONE spacecraft to accurately approach other spacecraft for servicing, MDA sensors will be used to generate a 3D picture of the target spacecraft, providing critical information on the distance to the other vehicle.
  • Once docked, the SPACE DRONE spacecraft will provide attitude and orbit control for the combined vehicle, allowing the satellite to continue operating.
  • "We are thrilled to be partnering with Effective Space on this project," said Mike Greenley, group president of MDA.