{"id":64508,"date":"2018-07-24T23:42:43","date_gmt":"2018-07-24T15:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/the-time-for-on-orbit-satellite-servicing-is-here\/"},"modified":"2018-07-24T23:42:43","modified_gmt":"2018-07-24T15:42:43","slug":"the-time-for-on-orbit-satellite-servicing-is-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/the-time-for-on-orbit-satellite-servicing-is-here\/","title":{"rendered":"The Time For On-Orbit Satellite Servicing is Here"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For about a decade, the concept of on-orbit satellite servicing has been gaining traction among owners and operators of these spacecraft. Satellites are incredibly expensive to manufacture, and launch costs can be astronomical. Additionally, much of the risk lies in launching the craft to space. The ability to safely and securely extend the lives of these spacecraft, whether through refueling or repair, seemed like the holy grail of the satellite industry. But it\u2019s only now that satellite servicing seems to be a real possibility. <\/p>\n<p>There may be questions about the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) regarding whether on-orbit satellite servicing is feasible. But it turns out that\u2019s not the real issue that has prevented On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) from becoming a reality. Now, multiple companies are in the late stages of readying spacecraft that will able to service satellites. The time for on-orbit satellite servicing is now. But there are still challenges to overcome.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uNeVWi3TDKih0WSCaxVv_01_VS_080118_Cover_DGTL-300x225.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 120px; height: auto;\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uNeVWi3TDKih0WSCaxVv_01_VS_080118_Cover_DGTL-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uNeVWi3TDKih0WSCaxVv_01_VS_080118_Cover_DGTL-800x599.png 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uNeVWi3TDKih0WSCaxVv_01_VS_080118_Cover_DGTL-640x480.png 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uNeVWi3TDKih0WSCaxVv_01_VS_080118_Cover_DGTL.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fs-5 mt-0\">Explore the August 2018 Issue<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-0 fs-smaller text-balance\">Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-primary\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"offcanvas\" data-bs-target=\"#offcanvasMENU\" aria-controls=\"offcanvasExample\" aria-label=\"button\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tView More <i class=\"bi bi-arrow-right-circle\"><\/i><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/p>\n<p>The real issue standing in front of satellite servicers is making the case that OOS is economically feasible. \u201cWhat has been lacking is really the business plan from the commercial operators to justify moving forward \u2014 when it\u2019s there, we\u2019ll be able to sign up for it,\u201d said Bryan Benedict, senior director of innovation and satellite programs at SES Government Solutions. \u201cWhat hasn\u2019t been lacking is the technology to be able to do it.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Richard White, president of SSL Government Systems, agrees. \u201cFrom a technology maturity level, on-orbit satellite servicing is definitely there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>On-orbit satellite servicing is, in essence, extending the life of a satellite, whether through propulsion or attitude control, or repair and replacement of parts. That might seem more economical in the short term than building and launching an entirely new satellite. The problem is that the industry has, until now at least, been hesitant to go all in on satellite servicing. These providers must make the business case that it is more economical to service satellites than replace them.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b88acf265b;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b88acf265b = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b88acf265c').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b88acf265c'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s a great level of reluctance in the industry to actually use servicing because it hasn\u2019t been done before,\u201d said Benedict. \u201cThere\u2019s concern that people will muck it up and create debris in orbit if they don\u2019t do things properly. As soon as they demonstrate that they can do it right, then many companies are going to jump on board.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, before that happens, there are a few challenges that still face the industry when it comes to on-orbit satellite servicing. Right now, there are two different methods of OOS currently in the works. The first, which Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (formerly Orbital ATK) is using, is a spacecraft that attaches to a satellite and takes over its propulsion and attitude control functions. The second, which is being adopted by SSL Government Solutions, is a temporary repair and refueling function, allowing the satellite to operate on its own.<\/p>\n<p>The real problem here is the possibility of physically damaging another satellite. Proponents of OOS must prove that they can successfully service a satellite without damaging its neighbors. That\u2019s why Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems isn\u2019t testing its Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) in an orbit with active satellites.<\/p>\n<p>As many are aware, once a satellite has reached the end of its life, it becomes, in essence, useless space junk. But before that happens, operators prepare to either de-orbit the satellite or move it into a higher orbit so that it won\u2019t get in the way of other satellites in more valuable orbits like Geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). <\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to ensure that the MEV can function without damaging other spacecraft in orbit. That\u2019s why, thanks to a contract with Intelsat, MEV-1 will first head to Graveyard Orbit and perform rendezvous and docking operations there with Intelsat 901. \u201cThat\u2019s an important thing for us and for the U.S. government,\u201d Tom Wilson, president of space logistics at Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, explains. \u201cWe\u2019re proving this technology works, not in GEO in case there is an issue; we don\u2019t want to create a debris cloud in GEO, which is a pretty high value asset.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The mission extension vehicle, which is designed to rendezvous with, dock with, and take over the operation of a satellite, will then control Intelsat\u2019s 901 attitude for five years. \u201cWe take over like a jet pack in orbit,\u201d said Wilson. The MEV then provides the propulsion and attitude control necessary for the satellite; it\u2019s less risky because it\u2019s not trying to refuel the spacecraft but more expensive to operate because every serviced satellite requires a separate spacecraft. The MEV is designed to last 16 years; the first is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2019, with the second (also an Intelsat contract for an as-yet unspecified satellite) to follow.<\/p>\n<p>Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems has more up their sleeve than just the mission extension vehicles, though. The company\u2019s on-orbit satellite servicing initiatives extend to mission extension pods, which use the same rendezvous and docking procedures as the MEV. \u201cWhat it does is it provides the station keeping propulsion, and lets them control what is necessary to stationkeep that satellite,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cWhat it does not do is provide attitude control.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The reason behind diversifying into pods, rather than sticking only with the MEV? \u201cThe economics are better,\u201d Wilson said. As previously mentioned, the business case, rather than tech, is the heart of why it\u2019s taken on-orbit satellite servicing so long to get off the ground. As a result, the mission extension pods are crucial for Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems\u2019 long-term strategy.<\/p>\n<p>SSL Government Systems is also working on OOS, but has a different approach. \u201cFor [Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites] RSGS, the core mission is to deploy a system that can inspect, correct anomalies, cooperatively relocate, and install upgrades to an on-orbit satellite, whether that\u2019s commercial or government,\u201d White explained. <\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b88acf2c36;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b88acf2c36 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b88acf2c37').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b88acf2c37'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>RSGS is designed to use the existing propulsion systems of a satellite, rather than replace them. It also will have robotic arms that can repair a spacecraft in orbit. SSL is building the spacecraft through a DARPA contract; the vision is to join a DARPA-developed modular toolkit with an SSL-built spacecraft. The on-orbit servicing spacecraft will be able travel around to different satellites in order to refuel and make repairs as necessary. <\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s certainly an ambitious vision, and White knows that there\u2019s still a ways to go before it\u2019s ready \u2014 the current launch date is sometime in the year 2021. \u201cI don\u2019t want to trivialize that there\u2019s a lot of engineering work to do to take everything and build these arms, but it\u2019s not like we\u2019re having to go through those early TRL challenges,\u201d White said. As far as where the company is in terms of readiness? \u201cWe\u2019re cutting metal,\u201d he explained, making it clear that SSL Government Systems is moving full speed ahead with RSGS.<\/p>\n<p>The key with RSGS, though, is that even though it\u2019s being developed through a DARPA contract, SSL will be free to operate the spacecraft with commercial clients once it is built. And the first, SES Government Solutions, has already signed up.<\/p>\n<p>SES GS isn\u2019t a stranger to risk; after all, the company was the first to use an already-flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The industry looks to companies such as SES to make the first moves on new, unproven technologies such as on-orbit satellite servicing and, in that case, the re-used first stage of a rocket. SES clearly feels similarly when it comes to OOS. It\u2019s not just about what on-orbit servicing means for satellites; it\u2019s what it could herald for the future of the industry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would look at life extension as being a robotic servicing enabler,\u201d said Benedict. \u201cIt\u2019s an enabler because when you look at a robotic servicing alone it is to put together a business case to fix problems that have not yet occurred.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The key here, according to Benedict, is that there is a business case for refueling and fixing satellites that are already in orbit; it\u2019s just not based on what we can do right now. These on-orbit satellite servicing companies can establish ability and reputation based on these existing satellites. Then, once the technology is in orbit, these companies can be called on to do more. <\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s crucial, because satellites are already moving away from fuel-based engines, and they\u2019re being built to be more reliable. This means that the real value of on-orbit satellite servicing will be for spacecraft already in orbit, rather than future iterations. \u201cThe new satellites that are being launched are going to be able to have a longer lifetime to start with,\u201d Benedict explains. \u201cThe refueling and the life extension really applies to those satellites that are currently up there, already flying, that are running out of propellant.\u201d This means that on-orbit satellite servicing will have the most direct impact on the next 20 to 30 years of the industry. <\/p>\n<p>As a result, to make a real long-term business case for why on-orbit satellite servicing is important, operators, servicers, and industry professionals have to look at the future. It\u2019s not about what OOS can do for satellites now. It\u2019s about what mastering it can mean for the future of on-orbit spaceflight. The key here, then, is opening the door to on-orbit assembly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we build our satellites to be easier to fix or add the right external mechanical and electrical interfaces, servicing could be used in the future to modify or build platforms in space. Maybe buses could be launched as one platform and the payloads as a separate platform. They could be mated in orbit using robotic servicing,\u201d Benedict explained. <\/p>\n<p>Successful on-orbit satellite servicing programs could change the fundamentals of how organizations view and use satellites, according to White. \u201cTo me, this is like the iPhone,\u201d he said frankly. That\u2019s because SSL Government Systems is not just in the servicing business; the company is also working toward on-orbit assembly. \u201cWe have a separate program called Dragonfly that we\u2019re doing with NASA to demonstrate on-orbit assembly, so then you start to put servicing, assembly, all into the mix \u2026 If you have the ability to upgrade, that\u2019s certainly fundamental change. If you can assemble it in space, now you can start to think about sending spacecraft up in pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But for on-orbit assembly to become a reality, there needs to be healthy competition in the marketplace. That\u2019s why companies like SES Government Solutions want to take risks to move on-orbit satellite servicing forward. \u201cWe want to see both companies succeed,\u201d concluded Benedict. In the end, that\u2019s what\u2019s best for the satellite industry. <\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">In This Issue<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 407026:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Uqq6BnPmR2ijtN8GyJjA_EdNote_Header_Web-300x167.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Uqq6BnPmR2ijtN8GyJjA_EdNote_Header_Web-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Uqq6BnPmR2ijtN8GyJjA_EdNote_Header_Web-800x446.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Uqq6BnPmR2ijtN8GyJjA_EdNote_Header_Web-640x357.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Uqq6BnPmR2ijtN8GyJjA_EdNote_Header_Web.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tCommunicAsia Brings Up Major Talking Points<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 406998:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WWW3rw7T6IBnb3C5cP0g_CberSec_EU-1-300x200.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WWW3rw7T6IBnb3C5cP0g_CberSec_EU-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WWW3rw7T6IBnb3C5cP0g_CberSec_EU-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WWW3rw7T6IBnb3C5cP0g_CberSec_EU-1-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WWW3rw7T6IBnb3C5cP0g_CberSec_EU-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tESA Prioritizes Cybersecurity With SES\u2013Led Consortium<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 406982:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"254\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RD5FlAdROwUPbqmJQZnQ_015_VS_080118_Data-1-300x254.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RD5FlAdROwUPbqmJQZnQ_015_VS_080118_Data-1-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RD5FlAdROwUPbqmJQZnQ_015_VS_080118_Data-1-800x678.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RD5FlAdROwUPbqmJQZnQ_015_VS_080118_Data-1-640x542.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RD5FlAdROwUPbqmJQZnQ_015_VS_080118_Data-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tFor Farmers, A Picture is Worth More Than a Thousand Data Sets<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 407004:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2UgAmckEQ76TfH4skRlo_ThinkstockPhotos-875541992-300x169.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2UgAmckEQ76TfH4skRlo_ThinkstockPhotos-875541992-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2UgAmckEQ76TfH4skRlo_ThinkstockPhotos-875541992-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2UgAmckEQ76TfH4skRlo_ThinkstockPhotos-875541992-640x360.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2UgAmckEQ76TfH4skRlo_ThinkstockPhotos-875541992.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tHow Do You Value Data From Space?<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 407020:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RlUCd7jKSnaQshavHHF9_IMG_0693-300x200.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RlUCd7jKSnaQshavHHF9_IMG_0693-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RlUCd7jKSnaQshavHHF9_IMG_0693-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RlUCd7jKSnaQshavHHF9_IMG_0693-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RlUCd7jKSnaQshavHHF9_IMG_0693.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tSix Things NSR Learned at the 2018 Global Connected Aircraft Summit<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 406990:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HNJ74hwuS6OQscM7Kshm_Mr.Koyama__JSAT_-200x300.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HNJ74hwuS6OQscM7Kshm_Mr.Koyama__JSAT_-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HNJ74hwuS6OQscM7Kshm_Mr.Koyama__JSAT_-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HNJ74hwuS6OQscM7Kshm_Mr.Koyama__JSAT_-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HNJ74hwuS6OQscM7Kshm_Mr.Koyama__JSAT_-640x962.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HNJ74hwuS6OQscM7Kshm_Mr.Koyama__JSAT_.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tSky Perfect JSAT Exec Outlines Next Steps for the Company<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 406964:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/8fWMGdtJRtWSLCOHx6Yd_ThinkstockPhotos-695415580-300x261.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/8fWMGdtJRtWSLCOHx6Yd_ThinkstockPhotos-695415580-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/8fWMGdtJRtWSLCOHx6Yd_ThinkstockPhotos-695415580-800x695.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/8fWMGdtJRtWSLCOHx6Yd_ThinkstockPhotos-695415580-640x556.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/8fWMGdtJRtWSLCOHx6Yd_ThinkstockPhotos-695415580.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tVenture Capitalist Trends for  NewSpace Companies<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For about a decade, the concept of on-orbit satellite servicing has been gaining traction among owners and operators of these spacecraft. Satellites are incredibly expensive to manufacture, and launch costs can be astronomical. Additionally, much of the risk lies in launching the craft to space. The ability to safely and securely extend the lives of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64509,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64508","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64508"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64508"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64508\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}