The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) has awarded a contract to Space Systems / Loral (SSL) to study the feasibility of on-orbit robotic assembly of geostationary communication satellites.
The contract is part of Darpa’s Dragonfly programme, which aims to transport larger satellites in pieces into space for assembly there.
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During the five-month first phase of the study, SSL will demonstrate the benefits of on-orbit assembly such as the cost, weight and performance of satellites.
Designed for both military and commercial applications, the concept involves self-assembly from a stowed state while in orbit with a focus on configuration of large radio frequency (RF) antenna reflectors.
SSL president John Celli said: "The Dragonfly programme gives SSL the opportunity to demonstrate our advanced robotics capabilities with a mission that has the potential to transform the way satellites are built.
"SSL has a track record of partnering with Darpa on cost-effective developments that leverage commercial practises and apply to both military and commercial use."
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By GlobalDataThe company has approached Nasa for collaboration on further development of on-orbit satellite assembly capability, with a ground demonstration and then flight application.
SSL designs and manufactures spacecraft for direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband Internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation services. It also offers small satellites, and robotics and automation solutions for remote operations.
