GSSF2013: ViviSat aims to extend life of geostationary satellites

The Global Space and Satellite Forum in Abu Dhabi has heard how US-based ViviSat plans to extend the life of geosynchronous satellites that are running out of fuel with its Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV).
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If the scheme gets the funding it needs, the MEV could be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket before making its way 36,000 kilometres to the Clarke Belt using Xenon-powered plasma thrusters. Once there it could latch on to an ailing satellite and provide it with new manoeuvrability.

The MEV would act as the propulsion and attitude control for the satellite, so extending its life. This isn't the first time that GSSF has seen a proposal for such a scheme, but this one has the backing of US space experts ATK and US Space LLC, plus a host of personnel with lengthy backgrounds in the industry.
 
Bryan McGuirk, ViviSat COO, said that ATK brings more than 30 years of satellite system experience to the table, with a 100% on-orbit satellite mission success and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.
 
"Our research shows that there are around 180 satellites heading for their 'sunset' in the next five years, and we could extend their lives considerably," McQuirk said.
 
"We could also pull satellites into position that have inclined orbits or rescue satellites that have failed to make it to their correct orbital positions."
 
ViviSat says that the plan is to launch two MEV units at a time, but the first unit could take around three years to build.
 
"No-one has ever done this, but our heritage of understanding how to dock with the International Space Station and our ongoing research and testing work means we are in a great position to make this happen," McQuirk said.
 
So how does an MEV find and dock with what could at first be seen as a needle in a space haystack? Each MEV would be fitted with communications equipment, GPS, proximity sensors, plus long-range and close-up cameras enabling it to be brought close up to the satellite. Once it arrives it would be guided in before placing a "stinger" into the satellite's rocket nozzle, locking it to the spacecraft.
 
It would then effectively act as a helping hand for the satellite, using its plasma thrusters to manoeuvre the paired spacecraft.
 
"The MEV would enable satellite operators to significantly extend satellite mission length, activate new markets, drive asset value and help operators protect their franchise," said McQuirk.
 
Satellites could even be moved to new orbital slots, plus help control space debris by de-orbiting satellites at the end of their lives. The MEV could even, in time, refuel satellites if this ability is built into satellites from the outset.
 
ATK is a major industry partner at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and works on the US DARPA Phoenix satellite repurposing mission. It is currently equipping its Maryland facilities with robotic testing laboratories that will prove the technology works.
 
So when could we see an MEV in action? McQuirk says its is still early days, but "now is the right time" for the technology, adding that the 2017 time-frame was possible - or around three years after it gets all the funding it needs.
 

 

Steve Nichols

Steve Nichols

Steve (BSc Hons, FIIC) is a journalist and communicator with more than 35 years' experience.