DARPA gears up for in-space satellite servicing in geosynchronous orbit
TL;DR
DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program is moving toward its first flight, featuring a dexterous on‑orbit servicing suite and a Mission Robotic Vehicle to refuel, inspect, upgrade, and relocate GEO satellites. The effort involves NASA and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, with SpaceLogistics’ vehicle backing the mission; launch could occur as soon as this summer, followed by ~10 months to GEO and first operations in 2027, signaling a shift toward sustainable, upgradable space assets amid a growing servicing sector.
- DARPA readies robotic deep-space repair satellite for 2026 launch Space
- DARPA’s robotic servicing mission to finally fly this summer Breaking Defense
- From Disposable Assets to Multi-Mission Robotics: US Prepares for First In-Orbit Servicing Mission satnews.com
- Northrop Grumman's First MRV Readies for Summer Launch to Expand the Space Servicing Toolkit Via Satellite
- DARPA's Robotic Satellite Repairman Launches This Summer gagadget.com
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Space