Need a satellite repair job in orbit? Call on Space Servicers

The launch had gone smoothly, but once in space the geostationary telecom satellite pitched awkwardly to the left. It was also slightly out of place, a problem issue given how crowded space is.

Fortunately, rescue arrived when a robotic arm from a nearby “in-orbit servicing” satellites reached out and gave the geo satellite a nudge, easing it into its designated orbital position.

The manoeuvre was just one feature of the “after-sales” service provided by in-orbit servicing satellites, multi-mission space vehicles designed by Thales Alenia Space for in-orbit repairs and in-orbit maintenance. Still some years in the future, it will serve as a true Swiss Army knife capable of carrying out a wide range of operations in orbit, including the extension of a satellite's operational life, controlled re-entry of space debris, robotic manipulation, in-orbit re-fuelling, and inspection.

New in-orbit satellite servicing offer

 “With these new vehicles, we will witness a real paradigm shift from a “stationary space” to a space that is on the contrary dynamic” says Morena Bernardini, Director of New Business for Thales Alenia Space. “In-Orbit servicing will bring a new approach to access to space.”

 “With these new vehicles, we will witness a real paradigm shift from a “stationary space” to a space that is on the contrary dynamic” says Morena Bernardini, Director of New Business for Thales Alenia Space

“For now, their major concern is extending the operational life of big telecommunications satellites in orbit at 36,000 kilometres. But we see a market trend towards mega constellations in Low Earth Orbit. These satellites will need a real orbital partner capable of performing a whole range of in-orbit missions, such as changing a payload. And that’s what our offer is designed to do.”

Debris removal is another area in which Thales Alenia Space offer can play a major role. There are already an estimated 170 million pieces out there, 30,000 of which exceed 10 centimetres in diameter and can travel at speeds of up to 8 kilometres per second, presenting a clear danger to satellites.

"These satellites will need a real orbital partner capable of performing a whole range of in-orbit missions, such as changing a payload. And that’s what our offer is designed to do.” Morena Bernardini, Director of New Business for Thales Alenia Space

And going beyond, if we ever start building lunar bases, in-orbit servicing could be hugely valuable, especially for transporting the various components to be assembled.