Robotic spacecraft service vehicles Robotic spacecraft

aercam sprint released space shuttle payload bay



mda space infrastructure servicing vehicle — in-space refueling depot , service spacecraft communication satellites in geosynchronous orbit. launch planned 2015.


mission extension vehicle alternative approach not utilize in-space rcs fuel transfer. rather, connect target satellite in same way mda sis, , use own thrusters supply attitude control target.




^ intelsat picks macdonald, dettwiler , associates ltd. satellite servicing . press release. cnw group. retrieved 2011-03-15. mda plans launch space infrastructure servicing ( sis ) vehicle near geosynchronous orbit, service commercial , government satellites in need of additional fuel, re-positioning or other maintenance. ... mda , intelsat work finalize specifications , other requirements on next 6 months before both parties authorize build phase of program. first refueling mission available 3.5 years following commencement of build phase. 
^ morring, frank, jr. (2011-03-22). end space trash? . aviation week. retrieved 2011-03-21. vivisat, new 50-50 joint venture of u.s. space , atk, marketing satellite-refueling spacecraft connects target spacecraft using same probe-in-the-kick-motor approach mda, not transfer fuel. instead, vehicle becomes new fuel tank, using own thrusters supply attitude control target. ... [the vivisat] concept not far along mda.