US Navy servicing robot spacecraft endures punishing space trial

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has successfully completed rigorous space-readiness testing of its Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with Northrop Grumman’s Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus. This milestone, achieved after over two decades of development and supported by DARPA funding, involved subjecting the system to extreme thermal vacuum conditions that simulate the harsh environment of space. The RSGS-MRV system is designed to inspect, repair, upgrade, and perform orbital adjustments on satellites operating in geosynchronous orbit—approximately 22,000 miles above Earth—where traditional satellite servicing is currently impossible. Equipped with two robotic arms, advanced avionics, and a suite of cameras, sensors, and infrared imaging tools, the system can safely approach client satellites and execute complex tasks such as capture, inspection, and hardware upgrades. This technology aims to extend satellite lifespans, reduce costs, and enable new innovations by