Robot heads to space to fix satellites and tackle space junk
Northrop Grumman has launched a robotic spacecraft designed to service, repair, and upgrade satellites in geostationary orbit. The mission aims to extend the lifespan of expensive satellite assets and mitigate the growing problem of space debris.
Why it matters
In-orbit satellite servicing could revolutionize the space industry by reducing costs and preventing the accumulation of dangerous space junk.
The Mission Robotic Vehicle has 3-metre-long arms designed to fix and move objects in space (DARPA) SpaceX has launched a robotic spacecraft into orbit designed to fix aging satellites and prevent the build up of space junk .
The robot mechanic, developed by aerospace giant Northrop Grumman, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on 21 July.
The first-of-its-kind mission will see it service satellites in geostationary orbit, around 36,000 kilometres (22,300 miles) above Earth, where many spy, communications and weather satellites reside.
"Today's launch is the start of something bigger," Northrop Grumman wrote in a post to X. "Our Mission Robotic Vehicle is opening the door to a future where repairing, upgrading and building in space is part of the routine, not the exception."
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