DARPA’s Satellite Servicing – Repurposing – Concept

Innovators Sought for DARPA Satellite Servicing Program, DARPA

“More than $300 billion worth of satellites are estimated to be in the geosynchronous orbit (GEO–22,000 miles above the earth). Many of these satellites have been retired due to normal end of useful life, obsolescence or failure; yet many still have valuable components, such as antennas, that could last much longer than the life of the satellite. When satellites in GEO “retire,” they are put into a GEO disposal or “graveyard” orbit. DARPA’s Phoenix program seeks to develop technologies to cooperatively harvest and re-use valuable components from retired, nonworking satellites in GEO and demonstrate the ability to create new space systems at greatly reduced cost.”