Discussion thread for Northrop Grumman/SpaceLogistics MRV flight.
Currently targeting 2025 launch.
MRV with three MEPs for Optus and Intelsat (x2).
SpaceLogistics Announces Launch Agreement with SpaceX and First Mission Extension Pod Contract with OptusThe Northrop Grumman-owned company’s launch of the Mission Robotic Vehicle and Mission Extension Pods will mark a new era in on-orbit satellite servicing
DULLES, Va. – Feb. 21, 2022 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) SpaceLogistics today announced a launch agreement for its Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft, and the sale of its first Mission Extension Pod (MEP).
SpaceLogistics Announces Launch Agreement with SpaceX and First Mission Extension Pod Contract with Optus_1
MRV approaching commercial satellite for MEP installation
Under the launch agreement, SpaceX will provide launch services for a planned spring 2024 launch of the MRV and several MEPs. Optus, Australia’s largest satellite owner and operator, recently completed a purchase agreement with SpaceLogistics for installation of one of the MEPs on its D3 satellite in 2025.
“Our contracts with SpaceX and Optus are tangible evidence of our momentum and commitment to deliver second-generation on-orbit servicing technologies to the satellite industry.” said Vice President of Business Development for SpaceLogistics Joseph Anderson. “We are thrilled to have Optus as our premier MEP customer as we continue pioneering the future of space and expanding the realm of what is possible with on-orbit servicing and sustainment.”
The launch will mark the first time a robotic-capable spacecraft will ascend into space to provide persistent robotic servicing capabilities in geostationary orbit (GEO). The MRV will perform a series of on-orbit tests of its robotic-arm payload as it carries out its primary mission, installing MEPs on commercial satellites. The MEP, a small customer-owned, customer-controlled propulsion augmentation device, can provide six years of life extension for a typical 2,000 kg satellite in GEO.
“Optus’ partnership with SpaceLogistics will leverage their cutting edge MRV & MEP capability to increase the life of Optus’ D3 satellite. This innovative move along with the future launch of Optus 11 will benefit our customers.” said Ben White, managing director, wholesale, satellite and strategy at Optus.
https://spacenews.com/northrop-grumman-to-launch-new-satellite-servicing-mission-in-2024/The mission in 2024 will launch the MRV — a 3,000 kilogram spacecraft — and three MEPs, each about 400 kilograms. The MRV and MEPs will be released from the launch vehicle, independently deploy and raise themselves to a geostationary orbit using solar electric propulsion.
Now targeted for early 2025:
Intelsat orders another refueling mission from Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics
The launch of the company’s Mission Robotic Vehicle is now targeted for early 2025
June 20, 2023
SpaceLogistics, a satellite-servicing firm owned by Northrop Grumman, announced June 20 it has three confirmed orders for its refueling pods that will fly to orbit on servicing missions in 2025.
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SpaceLogistics had previously projected a 2024 launch for the MRV. The company said June 20 that both the MRV and MEPs have completed their critical design reviews and are proceeding toward a planned 2025 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
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