Press Room – Downlink 11

Next Generation In-Orbit Satellite Servicing Platform to be Unveiled at SATELLITE 2018

A new, robotic servicing system that extends satellite life will be revealed and a discussion about how in-orbit servicing is dramatically shifting the economics of space will be the focus of a SATELLITE 2018 Conference and Exhibition session held Tuesday, March 13, at 2:00pm ET at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. 

ROCKVILLE, Md. – Tuesday, February 27th – The next generation of in-orbit robotic servicing technology will be revealed at the SATELLITE 2018 Conference and Exhibition during a general session featuring guest speakers Orbital ATK Chief Executive Officer David W. Thompson and SpaceLogistics President Tom Wilson. The two speakers will join SATELLITE 2018 Chairman Jeffrey Hill for a discussion about the economic impact of revitalizing and reusing expired or faulty satellites on global industries. Orbital ATK is a leader in the emerging space logistics market and currently developing the industry’s first commercial satellite servicing vehicle which is known as the Mission Extension Vehicle™ (MEV). This general session will be open to all attendees of SATELLITE. Joining David W. Thompson and Tom Wilson on stage will be Stephen Spengler, Chief Executive Officer of Intelsat, who will share his perspective as the customer for the first two Mission Extension Vehicles ™.

“Like the reusable rockets that have recently captivated the public, reusable satellites will completely change the economics of space and help create a sustainable environment for space activity,” Hill said. “During my discussion with Dave and Tom, attendees will learn how in-orbit servicing will save millions of dollars by extending the lives of aging spacecraft and allowing satellite operators to continue generating revenue and profit while limiting capital expenditures on replacement satellites. We will also discuss how reusing satellites will also help reduce space debris, creating safer and easier access to space.”

Satellite life extension also breaks down barriers to entry for industry growth by allowing both existing and new operators to build businesses in new orbital slots.  Additional benefits include recovering from launch anomalies that place spacecraft in incorrect orbits, and transferring end-of-life spacecraft to graveyard orbits.

“In-orbit servicing is already rapidly changing the way satellite operators think about their fleets,” said Wilson. “And it’s just the beginning. The future applications of the technology are incredibly exciting- space transport of assets for emerging space businesses, in-space repair, and even modular, in-orbit spacecraft assembly. There will be a lot to discuss at SATELLITE 2018.”

The general session is titled “Reuse, Revitalize, Repurpose – How In-Orbit Satellite Servicing is Changing the Economics of Space” and is open to all SATELLITE 2018 attendees.  The session takes place on Tuesday, March 13 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm ET during the SATELLITE 2018 Conference and Exhibition, which runs March 12-15 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at 801 Mount Vernon Pl, NW, Washington D.C. For more information or to register, visit www.SATShow.com.

About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.  The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier.  Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 13,500 people across the U.S. and in several international locations.  For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.