‘Space Tug’ Project Takes Step Closer to Realization
PARIS (AFP) — An innovative scheme to build a robot tug that will help extend the lifetime of ageing satellites has taken a step foward, with the first launches planned for two years from now, according to announcements here and in Washington.
Arianespace, which markets the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) Ariane launcher, said in a press release Thursday that the makers of the craft had signed a contract to launch at least four of the tugs “beginning in 2005.”
The launcher will be the Ariane 5, a rocket that at present is struggling to overcome reliability problems.
The tug, formally called the Spacecraft Life Extension System (SLES), is being built by Orbital Recovery Corp. of the United States.
The craft, whose mass will be between 500 and 800 kilos (1,100 and 1,760 pounds) according to the mission, is designed to hook onto a satellite that is short of propellant and to maintain it in orbit.
Telecommunications satellites have an operational life that typically lasts between 10 and 15 years.
In most cases, its lifespan is determined by the depletion of onboard propellant, which is used to boost the satellite from time to time and keep it in its orbital slot. Its revenue-generating communications relays and solar panels may still be functioning perfectly.
In a press release, Orbital Recovery said it had identified more than 40 telecoms satellites that are in orbit today and are candidates for “life extension” using the SLES.
The tug can also be used to save satellites that are stranded in space after a mislaunch, and place them in the right orbital slot.
Its contract with Arianespace calls an initial Ariane 5 in the first quarter of 2005, followed by two more flights in 2005, “and provides for additional launches in 2005 and beyond,” the press release said.
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