Robots extend the life of satellites

Two Canadian and US companies are building a new spacecraft, operating as robots or machines in space, that can extend the life of satellites orbiting the Earth.

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In which MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) Canada will design a spacecraft that functions as a gas station that can fly the satellite. As for Vivisat, the company of Alliant Techsystems (ATK) and American aerospace company provides a vehicle capable of conducting satellite service in orbit.

Refueling satellite service, engine supply, repair and
Positioning can extend the life of satellites (Photo: Space)

As well as extending the life of orbiting satellites, this could be a turning point for this industry.

In the past, satellite fuel was first loaded up. When the fuel runs out, the satellite dies and causes clutter in the Earth's low-orbit. They are also at risk of colliding with other satellites, or falling to Earth that cannot be controlled, as NASA's UARS satellite plunged into the Pacific in late September.

The device designed by MDA, known as the space infrastructure service machine (SIS) is not only as simple as a fuel station, it is also equipped with robot arms and tool kits, for check, reposition, pull and repair satellites. Earlier this year, MDA also signed the first, $ 280 million contract for SIS service, with Intelsat satellite satellite service company based in Washington and Luxembourg.

In addition to MDA, there is also Vivisat of the United States that is developing satellite services in orbit. Vivisat is also known as the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) , designed to dock to satellites. But instead of refueling, MEV will provide the engine and control the operating state of the satellite. The MEV can also relocate the misaligned positions of satellites and fuel or move the satellite to a new location to perform new tasks.