DARPA is examining ideas for repairing communication satellites in space

When the satellites in geosynchronous orbit finish their duty, they are transferred to a higher orbit that serves as a "graveyard" for communication satellites. In this orbit are hundreds of satellites that have components that can be reused

The "Phoenix" project will enable the renewed use of components of communication satellites and geostationary satellites in general through service satellites
In the geosynchronous orbit, located at an altitude of 36 thousand kilometers above the equator, there are satellites with a total value of over 300 billion dollars. Many of these satellites are no longer active due to the end of their function due to obsolescence or due to any malfunctions. But still many of them contain expensive consumable components such as antenna, which can last longer than the life of the satellite. At least this is what DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) claims, a government agency of the United States Department of Defense that deals with the technological developments of the United States Army.

When the satellites in geosynchronous orbit finish their duty, they are transferred to a higher orbit that serves as a "graveyard" for communication satellites. In this orbit are hundreds of satellites that have components that can be reused according to the desire, knowledge and support of the satellite operator. Today, the US Department of Defense, for example, replaces the satellites at a high price. One of the reasons for the high cost is the launch price, which depends mainly on the weight and volume of the antennas. Reusing existing antennas from satellites located in the cemetery's orbit can allow for significant cost savings.
As part of DARPA's (Federal Research Agency) "Phoenix" program, the agency seeks to develop technologies to detach antennas and other essential components from inactive satellites in geostationary orbit and reuse them to build space systems at a much lower cost. "If this program is successful, space debris will become a space resource," says DARPA director Regina Dugan.

States that this concept will require diverse specializations among the space community in the US and around the world. For example, today, automated systems allow surgeons to perform remote surgeries on patients who are thousands of kilometers away, and remote imaging systems are used to observe and monitor what is happening on the seabed in marine drilling areas at a depth of hundreds and thousands of meters. This type of capabilities, if adapted to operate in the conditions of zero gravity, the vacuum and the harsh radiation of space - can allow the reuse of antennas from satellites that have finished their duty.
"Satellites in geostationary orbit were not designed to be repaired or assembled in space, so it's not just a simple operation of turning a few nuts and bolts" says David Barnhart, director of the "Phoenix" program at DARPA. "This requires remote imaging systems and robotic technologies, as well as special tools for capturing, cutting and adjusting complex systems, because the existing joints are usually welded. Another challenge will be developing remote operational processes to grip two parts together so that a third robotic arm can connect them with a third part like a clamp, all in microgravity. For a person operating such a robotic system, the complexity is similar to that of assembling complex Lego systems by remote control, and at the same time also looking at them through a telescope."
In order to reuse resources in an optimal way, the "Phoenix" program will develop electronic systems for tiny satellites that will allow local control and will be able to communicate with each other and with the parent satellite developed under another DARPA program System F6 http://www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/TTO /Programs/System_F6.aspx, and that together they will disassemble and reuse the antennas. "Phoenix" is specifically looking for technologies to develop a new type of nanosatellites that can be launched in a more economical way to the geosynchronous area as hitchhikers with commercial satellites and these will robotically connect to the antenna of a satellite that is not functioning but still has communication capabilities, to ultimately create a new space system. The nanosatellites may leverage the technologies, infrastructure, products and architecture developed within the F6 systems program. Systems will also be required to store the tiny satellites during their journey close to the commercial satellite.
A large satellite that will be a service station for satellites (TENDER), is planned to be launched into a geosynchronous orbit. After the nanosatellites reach orbit, they will be released from the satellite that carried them, reach the service satellite, and attach to the service satellite's tool belt. The service satellite will be equipped with capture arms and remote viewing systems to remove components and screws from the security cover, and therefore the development of new space vehicles will be required for the program.
The critical factors for the success of the "Phoenix" program is the joint activity of the communities involved in these essential areas of technology, and they are:

• Microelectronics and radiation-resistant memories
• A distributed wireless platform for connectivity and ad hoc control
• Industrial electronic control systems
• Industrial robotic arms as well as tools and techniques for mechanical cutting
• Robotic systems and tools for remote surgeries, as well as imaging systems
• Remote imaging and activation systems that operate underwater, and are used in offshore oil and gas drilling
• Creation of microelectronic systems and computers and data storage systems at the ground station
• Systems for managing the heat control of electronic components and systems
• Cheap and mass production of metal strips and other structural materials
• Added value in the production of a variety of structural materials.

DARPA will host A two-day conference In November 2011, the relevant industries are invited to it.

DARPA's press release