DARPA readies robotic deep-space repair satellite for 2026 launch

DARPA is at last ready to test fueling up satellites in faraway Earth orbits, to keep those machines working a little bit longer. DARPA's (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) long-delayed Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellite (RSGS) demonstrator is slated to launch as soon as this summer, the U.S. military's research and development group stated in a statement on Wednesday (May 20). And as the name suggests, robots will form an integral part of the spacecraft's work. The heart of the mission will be a "highly dexterous robotic servicing suite", DARPA stated, that should be able to jump in on several critical tasks to help satellites needing a boost: "on-orbit upgrades, inspections, anomaly resolution, and satellite relocation." What's more, DARPA aims to up the ambition by tackling this work far away from our planet. The program aims to service satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO), which is roughly 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the Earth. These satellites, orbiting at about 90 times higher than the International Space Station (at 250 miles or 400 km), are positioned in a sweet spot allowing the speed of their orbit to match the rotation of the Earth. The satellites' positioning allows them to get a consistent view of one patch of planet, which is helpful for providing reliable telecommunications—or for performing long-term climate or defense monitoring. …