Tags: NASA, ATK, Satellite Repair, Refueling
Publication: HuffingtonPost.com
Publication Date: 11/18/2012

ViviSat’s Mission Extension Vehicle could extend the life of a satellite for up to 10 years. Image credit: ViviSat

ViviSat, a three-year-old spaceflight company, is working on a spacecraft to repair and refuel orbiting satellites. The “Mission Extension Vehicles” will be capable to rendezvous with ailing commercial satellites around Earth.

The plan is to launch two MEVs first with the goal of having a fleet of at least 10. MEVs will be able to extend the life of a satellite to up to 10 years, redeploy the spacecraft or position it in a new orbit.

ATK, the company that used to build solid rocket motors for NASA’s space shuttles, is in charge of manufacturing the Mission Extension Vehicles. ViviSat has not announced a possible launch date.

ViviSat is not alone in the competition to offer this type of space handyman, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA), is also working on a similar vehicle.

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