{"id":23461,"date":"2020-02-27T19:35:03","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T11:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/meet-mev-the-first-life-extension-satellite-that-just-made-history\/"},"modified":"2020-02-27T19:35:03","modified_gmt":"2020-02-27T11:35:03","slug":"meet-mev-the-first-life-extension-satellite-that-just-made-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/meet-mev-the-first-life-extension-satellite-that-just-made-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet MEV: The first life extension satellite that just made history"},"content":{"rendered":"
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MEV is the Mission Extension Vehicle used by SpaceLogistics, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, to service satellites in space.<\/p>\n

The life extension satellite made history yesterday when it successfully docked to another commercial satellite:<\/p>\n

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MEV-1, launched Oct. 9, 2019, recently completed its orbit raising to an orbit approximately 180 miles above geosynchronous orbit. <\/p>\n

IS-901 is a fully operational communication satellite that is running low on fuel. Intelsat (NYSE: I) removed 901 from service in December 2019, transferring customers to other satellites in its extensive fleet, in order to raise its orbit to the same altitude as MEV-1 in preparation for docking. <\/p>\n

MEV-1 then completed the historic docking with IS-901 on February 25 at 2:15 a.m. ET. The combined spacecraft stack will now perform on-orbit checkouts before MEV-1 begins relocating the combined vehicle to return IS-901 into service in late March.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

IS-901 is expected to gain five years to its life in orbit before being decommissioned.<\/p>\n

SpaceLogistics expects future applications to include inspecting and repairing parts or systems of satellites, completing in-orbit robotic assembly of space structures, and other tasks that can extend the life of satellites.<\/p>\n

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