[Satellite TODAY Insider 01-14-11] U.S. Space, a space solutions provider for government and commercial markets, has teamed up with ATK to create ViviSat, a new satellite life extension joint venture, the two companies announced Jan. 13.
    ViviSat intends to provide geosynchronous satellite operators with in-orbit mission extension and protection services in order to add to the revenue-producing life of its customers’ satellites at a time when nearly 100 major geosynchronous satellites are in the final five years of their life cycle.
    U.S. Space will act as the joint venture’s operating entity, with responsibility for mission management, marketing, legal, and finance. ATK will act as the mission prime contractor, providing manufacture and delivery of the spacecraft, launch and ground segments.
    ViviSat has developed a Mission Extension Vehicle designed to dock with orbiting satellites and serve as a back-up propulsion system, enabling satellites that have run out of maneuvering fuel yet still have enough electricity to operate to extend their mission. The joint venture’s services also include: long-term station-keeping and attitude control, relocation to different orbits or orbital slots, de-orbiting, and rescue and re-orbiting of satellites stranded in incorrect orbital slots.
    “ViviSat’s service model delivers a game-changing advance in financial efficiency, operating flexibility and risk mitigation. ViviSat provides satellite operators around the world solutions designed to improve performance, return and cash flow from existing space assets and activate new markets and new opportunities,” U.S. Space Co-Founder and ViviSat Chairman Edward Horowitz said in a statement.
    Horowitz will join ATK General Manager Tom Wilson on ViviSat’s senior executive team, which also includes: U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Craig Weston as CEO; Bryan McGuirk as COO; Mark Piegza as CFO; and Dany Harel as CTO.

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