With two long arms, the RSGS spacecraft would be capable of repair satellites in orbit and performing a number of functions to support and extend the lifespan of GEO satellites. Photo: Airman 1st Class Dalton Williams/Air Force

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is on track to announce a new commercial partner for its robotic servicing payload by the end of the year, with plans to have a spacecraft in orbit in 2022.

“I’m standing here with a smile on my face. The program is moving forward and things are looking good and we’re very hopeful,” Joe Parrish, program manager for the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Spacecraft program at DARPA, said at the 2019 Global Satellite Servicing Forum Oct. 1. “We’re looking to launch RSGS in late 2022.”