NASA to build robotic spacecraft to repair, refuel satellites

The US space agency has awarded a USD 127 million contract to the California-based Space Systems/Loral of Palo Alto.

Update: 2016-12-07 09:35 GMT
Given the distances Orion will travel, teams also must limit Orion's mass, since a heavier spacecraft requires more fuel and energy to propel it to its ultimate destination.

NASA is building a a robotic spacecraft equipped with the tools and technologies needed to repair or refuel satellites currently in orbit. The US space agency has awarded a USD 127 million contract to the California-based Space Systems/Loral of Palo Alto for Restore-L Spacecraft Bus and Support Services.

Space Systems/Loral will provide spacecraft bus, critical hardware and services for the development, deployment and operations of the Restore-L mission.

They also will provide related services to accomplish mission integration, test, launch and operations. The Restore-L Project is managed within NASA's Satellite Servicing Projects Division at the agency's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

Restore-L is a free-flying mission projected to launch in 2020 to perform in-orbit satellite servicing in low-Earth orbit.

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