Northrop Grumman advances mission robotic vehicle for satellite servicing
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 18, 2024

Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) subsidiary, SpaceLogistics LLC, has received the robotics payload from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), marking a major milestone for its Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV).

This payload includes two robotic arms and associated electronics, advancing Northrop Grumman's progress toward launching the first commercial spacecraft equipped for on-orbit servicing of satellites. The MRV will operate in geosynchronous earth orbit, approximately 22,500 miles above the Earth, to conduct inspections, relocations, repairs, and install Mission Extension Pods that sustain satellite operations.

The robotics payload was developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites program. Following full integration, the MRV will undergo environmental testing to confirm its readiness and performance for space missions.

"We are creating an in-space servicing infrastructure that has never existed before. Our successful experience in rendezvous, proximity operations and docking has laid the foundation for this critical next step in creating a more sustainable model for future satellite operations," said Rob Hauge, president, SpaceLogistics.

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