All machines break down, and when it happens in space, performing repairs can be incredibly challenging. To help solve this problem, NASA has awarded a contract to build the Restore-L spacecraft, designed to grab other satellites in orbit to refuel, repair, and redeploy them.

The $127 million contract, given to the private satellite company Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) of Palo Alto, California, is expected to complete and launch the robotic spacecraft by 2020. In addition to building the spacecraft bus, SS/L will provide critical engineering services for the deployment and operations of the Restore-L.

"Restore-L effectively breaks the paradigm of one-and-done spacecraft" said Frank Cepollina, associate director of the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO), when the Restore-L program was announced earlier this year. Spacecraft currently enter the vast void with a finite amount of fuel. The ability to refuel in space could significantly lengthen the lives of satellites and open up the aerospace industry to new possibilities for long-term missions.

Restore-L will also be able to repair objects like solar arrays and communications antennae that fail to deploy. "It introduces new ways to robotically manage, upgrade and prolong the lifespans of our costly orbiting national assets," said Cepollina.

While many do not look to the stars and think of cost-effectiveness, projects like Restore-L should only lead to greater confidence worldwide in launching new missions.

Source: NASA via Motherboard

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