The Pentagon’s research branch wants to use robots to repair the nation’s satellites, an initiative which could lead to significant savings for U.S. space operations.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, intends to partner with an outside organization to create robots and space vehicles capable of servicing satellites through its Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites, or RSGS, program.
“The long-term vision of the RSGS program is to enable a persistent, reliable, cost-effective cooperative robotic servicing capability in [geosynchronous orbit], beginning with the robotic servicer developed under the RSGS program and operated by a commercial entity,” DARPA said in a statement.
DARPA has two objectives for the program: to develop a “dexterous robotic operational capability” that can service satellites and a vehicle that can transport it into space. Both will be developed in a joint partnership with the outside partner selected by DARPA at a proposer’s day on May 22.
“It’s a very cost-effective approach to our space architecture,” said Rick Berger, a former Senate Budget Committee staffer who currently serves as a defense research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
Space architecture makes up the backbone of the U.S. military’s command and control systems. Approximately 70% of the U.S. Army’s weapons rely on space-based technology for optimal function. More than 400 American satellites currently circle the globe, according to United Nations data, and maintaining them is a nearly impossible task.
“Normally when something breaks, it dies,” said Berger. “The amount of fuel you have is [also] a significant determinant of lifespan.”
While DARPA did not provide an estimate for potential cost savings for the program, the ability to repair and refuel satellites negates the need to put more objects in space. Additionally, it could cut down on the orbital debris that poses a threat to operational satellites. The RSGS program is ultimately expected to perform dozens of missions each year, according to a report by Nextgov.
