NASA building robotic spacecraft to refuel, repair satellites in orbit

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is building a robotic spacecraft dubbed as ‘Restore-L Spacecraft’ to refuel, repair satellites currently in orbit.
In this regard, NASA has awarded a $127 million contract to California-based satellite company Space Systems/Loral to build Restore-L Spacecraft.
Space Systems/Loral will provide NASA with spacecraft bus, critical hardware and services for the Restore-L mission. This mission will be launched in 2020 to perform in-orbit satellite servicing in low-Earth orbit.

Key Facts

• The robotic spacecraft (Restore-L Spacecraft) will be outfitted with the latest tools and technologies to repair, refuel or service satellites currently in orbit.
• It will help in extending life of existing satellites and reduce operation costs. It can also be used for cleaning space debris or testing asteroid platforms.
• The Restore-L Project is managed within NASA’s Satellite Servicing Projects Division located Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2016