Matt Pyrak, Northrop Grumman Space Systems; Quenten Duden, SpaceLogistics LLC
Keywords: northrop, grumman, space logistics, MEV, MRV, MEP, servicing, commercial, GEO, SDA, SSA, STM
Abstract:
Space Logistics, a Northrop Grumman Company, will soon take the groundbreaking step of utilizing a commercial, space-based platform for the collection of SDA data for USG and other approved customers. With our MEV-1 and MEV-2 vehicles, currently providing life extension for customers in the GEO belt, Space Logistics has established both the feasibility of commercial on-orbit servicing as well as the performance of our visual sensor for SDA detection and tracking capabilities. The upcoming Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) will augment our heritage rendezvous and docking technology with a general purpose robotic capability, and use it for the installation of life-extending Mission Extension Pods (MEPs) for dozens of customers. During the frequent periods the MRV will spend transiting between Client Vehicles (CVs), the powerful sensor suite which provides rendezvous capability can easily be re-tasked in an SDA capacity. Supported by our MEV mission data, this paper will explore the performance of the MRV sensor suite in this application, and demonstrate ways in which data from MRV can supplement and extend the capabilities of a larger Space Traffic Management (STM) system.
Date of Conference: September 27-20, 2022
Track: Space-Based Assets