# 諾斯洛普·格魯曼的MEV-2衛星維修器正在與Intelsat在軌的10-02航天器進行近距離操作。

*aerospace · news · 2021-03-10 · SpaceNews*

## Key points

- MEV-2正在與Intelsat-10-02進行近距離操作，為首次實時對接做準備。
- Intelsat-10-02保持活躍並持續服役，與用於MEV-1任務的Intelsat-901不同。
- MEV-2將在不重新定位Intelsat-10-02的情況下延長其壽命，充當引擎和燃料箱。
- NSR預計到2030年，地球同步軌道壽命延長任務可能達到75顆衛星和32億美元市場規模。
- 缺乏技術標準和技術發展緩慢可能阻礙在軌維修市場的增長。

TAMPA, Fla. — Northrop Grumman’s MEV-2 satellite servicer is performing close proximity operations with Intelsat’s in-orbit 10-02 spacecraft ahead of a docking attempt, SpaceNews has learned. Both spacecraft remain healthy after being in close quarters to calibrate and test systems before MEV-2 backed off, according to a Northrop Grumman official. The company intends to release an update once it completes the docking. It is understood the satellite servicer’s predecessor MEV-1 made several close proximity operations maneuvers and approaches before successfully attaching to Intelsat-901 last year, enabling the 19-year-old satellite to resume services from April 2. MEV-2 has a similar design to MEV-1, but the two missions have distinct differences. While Intelsat-901 was no longer functioning as it languished in a graveyard orbit, Intelsat-10-02 has been active in geosynchronous orbit since 2004 and is carrying communications traffic. The two companies are working closely together to time approaches and the eventual docking for when it is most conducive to Intelsat’s business needs. MEV-2 is also not moving its satellite to a different orbit like MEV-1 did; instead it will act as a new engine and fuel tank to extend the spacecraft’s life. Demand for GEO life extension missions will grow to 75 satellites by 2030, according to a recent Northern Sky Research (NSR) forecast, representing a $3.2 billion cumulative market opportunity. NSR analyst Hussain Bokhari expects more than 230 in-orbit satellites will be serviced in some way during the next 10 years, with governments and militaries also driving demand in GEO and non-GEO. These missions include relocation, salvage and repair services. This growing market potential continues to attract new entrants, including Ukrainian startup Kurs Orbital with its plans to revive Soviet-era docking technology. However, Bokhari warned that the slow pace of technology development and confidence in in-orbit servicing capabilities, as well as a lack of clear technical and safe operating standards, threaten the market’s growth.

**Companies:** Northrop Grumman, Intelsat, Kurs Orbital
**Countries:** United States, Ukraine

[Read the full story on SpaceNews](https://spacenews.com/mev-2-servicer-closing-in-on-intelsat-10-02-docking-attempt/)

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