DARPA Plans Robotic Satellite Servicing Mission for 2026 Launch to Enhance Spacecraft Longevity
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in collaboration with industry partners, is preparing to launch a robotic satellite servicing mission in the summer of 2026. This mission, known as the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS), aims to demonstrate the capabilities of on-orbit maintenance and upgrades for satellites operating in geosynchronous orbit. The centerpiece of this mission is the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), a spacecraft equipped with a sophisticated robotic servicing system. This system is designed to perform various tasks such as satellite inspections, repairs, relocations, upgrades, and anomaly resolutions while in orbit. The program targets geosynchronous orbit, where numerous commercial, military, and government satellites operate approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth. DARPA is leading the development of these robotic servicing technologies in partnership with the Naval Research Laboratory and NASA, while SpaceLogistics, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumma...