Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites
Summary
A private spaceship with robotic arms launched to extend the life of old communication satellites low on fuel by adding jetpacks. This mission is part of a growing effort to save money by keeping satellites working longer instead of replacing them.Key Facts
- The spacecraft, called MRV, launched from Cape Canaveral on July 21, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
- MRV carries three electric jetpacks, each about the size of a washing machine, to attach to old satellites in geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above Earth.
- The jetpacks use xenon gas thrusters to help satellites stay in their proper orbit and keep working for several more years.
- This mission will help satellites owned by SES (Luxembourg) and Optus (Australia), saving them millions of dollars.
- Northrop Grumman has done similar satellite-servicing missions in 2019 and 2020 and is developing robotic satellites that can repair, relocate, or remove others.
- The project involves collaboration with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
- Another company, Katalyst Space Technologies, is testing a satellite helper called Link that will boost NASA’s Swift Observatory to extend its life.
- NASA is paying $30 million for the Link mission to raise Swift, which has been losing altitude due to solar activity.
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