Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Private Missions Extend Life of Aging Satellites
Two private companies are sending robots into space to help old satellites that are running out of fuel.
One robot, called MRV, will attach jetpacks to satellites to keep them working longer.
Another robot, called Link, will help NASA's Swift Observatory stay in orbit.
These missions save money for satellite companies and space agencies by extending the life of their satellites.
The robots are designed to do more in the future, like fixing satellites and removing old ones from orbit.
Northrop Grumman's MRV robot launched to attach jetpacks to aging satellites.
MRV will spend a year reaching geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above Earth.
Each jetpack will extend the life of a satellite by several years.
Katalyst Space Technologies' Link robot will boost NASA's Swift Observatory to its original altitude.
NASA is paying Katalyst $30 million to raise Swift's altitude.
- Who
- Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, SES, Optus, NASA, Katalyst Space Technologies
- What
- Private missions to extend life of aging satellites
- When
- July 2024
- Where
- Geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above Earth
- Why
- To save costs and extend satellite operations
Satellite Operators
Space Agencies
Cost Savings
Satellite Operators
Satellite operators like SES and Optus save millions by extending satellite life.
Space Agencies
Space agencies like NASA invest in new technologies for satellite servicing.
- Mission Type
- Private satellite servicing
- Launch Date
- July 2024
- Orbit Altitude
- 22,300 miles (36,000 kilometers)
- Satellite Operators
- SES (Luxembourg), Optus (Australia)
- NASA's Swift Observatory
- Launched in 2004, needs altitude boost
- NASA's Contract with Katalyst
- $30 million