DARPA's robots come to the rescue: revolutionizing satellite maintenance in space

A new robotic system, developed in collaboration between DARPA and the US Navy Research Laboratory, promises to reduce costs and upgrade satellites in geosynchronous orbit - a first step to a new era in advanced space infrastructure

The US Naval Research Laboratory and the DARPA agency have developed a robotic system capable of performing maintenance on satellites in space.
The system, which was designed to carry out repairs and upgrades, promises to change the face of satellite activity by extending their service life and reducing the costs associated with their maintenance. After the success of the tests in a thermal vacuum chamber and the collaboration with Northrop Grumman, the system is expected to be launched in 2026, thus leading to a new era of durable and adapted space infrastructures.

The robotics revolution in space: NRL and DARPA

The Space Technology Center of the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in collaboration with DARPA has successfully completed the development of a space-qualified robotic system designed for in-orbit maintenance of satellites. The achievement was achieved on October 8.

With DARPA funding, NRL developed the RSGS Integrated Robotic Payload (IRP), a breakthrough technology system. The system was transferred to DARPA's commercial partner, Northrop Grumman's SpaceLogistics, for integration with the Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft.

"The completion of the tests in a thermal vacuum chamber is a significant milestone in achieving the goal of the program - demonstrating robotic maintenance capabilities in orbit in the near future," said Dr. Bruce Danley, director of research at NRL. "NRL's contributions to the robotic system are an essential part of realizing this vision, which is expected to change the way satellites operate in geostationary orbit, reduce costs for satellite operators, and enable significantly advanced capabilities."

Improving satellite maintenance and operation

Satellites in geosynchronous orbit, located approximately 36,000 km above the Earth, play critical roles in military, government and commercial communications, Earth observation science and national security services.
Today, the challenges facing satellites include an inability to perform repairs or upgrades in orbit. As a result, satellites are required to carry backup systems and additional fuel, leading to increased complexity, higher weight, and expensive costs.

Thermal Vacuum Testing (TVAC) process

The tests exposed the robotic system to the range of temperatures it would encounter in orbit, and to vacuum conditions similar to space. All system components were tested, including the avionics, cameras and lighting, as well as the function of the robotic arms, including their deployment, calibration and tool change.

The future of satellite maintenance and spacecraft design

In the coming decades, RSGS robots may extend the service life of satellites by upgrading components, such as electronics, propulsion and sensors. The technology may also be used as a precursor to the construction of large structures in space, such as advanced observatories or solar power plants.

"We hope this project will lead to the design of more modular and easier-to-maintain spacecraft," concluded NRL's Dr. Glen Henshaw.

After the planned launch in 2026, the system will first perform tests and calibrations, and then begin full maintenance tasks.

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