Become an active SpaceWatch.Global supporter 2023 Join here NOW
SSL and NASA successfully complete first Restore-L milestone
Space Systems Loral (SSL) has successfully completed the Systems Requirements Review (SRR) for the Restore-L project to demonstrate satellite servicing in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As announced on December 9, 2016, SSL is working with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to build a spacecraft that will use robotics to grasp, refuel, and relocate an existing U.S. government satellite already in LEO orbit with the goal of demonstrating tools, technologies, and techniques that can be implemented on future government and commercial missions.
Restore-L concept rendering; Image courtesy of SSL
The SRR, which took place over a two-day period at the SSL satellite manufacturing facility in Palo Alto, California, enabled the SSL and NASA teams to work together to review and verify the functional and performance requirements defined for the Restore-L spacecraft. The requirements that the teams agreed upon will drive modifications to the SSL 1300 platform, which is commonly used for commercial missions in geostationary orbit. The spacecraft will provide the structural support, propulsion, attitude control, data and communications interface, and power to support the Restore-L robotic payload for the on-orbit demonstration.
“I would like to congratulate both the NASA and SSL teams on reaching this initial milestone for the Restore-L mission,” said Richard White, SSL Government Solutions. “SSL has a record of partnering with government organizations to integrate commercially proven systems and processes that help to reduce costs and shorten schedules. Completing the SRR is the first demonstration of our successful collaboration on this program.”
SSL is contributing to a variety of next generation government missions, including a NASA Discovery Mission to explore the metal asteroid called Psyche; and the Dragonfly program, which will demonstrate on orbit satellite assembly.
Space Data Association has announced The European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking Partnership (EU SST) as the recipient of the T.S. Kelso Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to space flight safety. The EU SST Partnership relies on the SSA capabilities of 15 Member states of the European Union to provide space safety services, with the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) acting as the Front Desk.