MDA Supports Boeing Team In Contract Win To Demonstrate Satellite Repair In Space
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. announced today that the Boeing team has won the “Orbital Express”
program. MDA subsidiary MD Robotics is partnered with Boeing for the
development of robotics systems for this unique satellite servicing system.
In the Orbital Express program, the Boeing Phantom Works R&D unit is
developing an advanced technology demonstrator of a system that will be able
to autonomously service, repair, and refuel satellites while on orbit. The
system’s capabilities will include rendezvous and docking, free-flyer capture
and berthing, satellite-to-satellite orbital replacement unit (ORU) transfer,
power and data transfer, and on-orbit refueling.
MDA will provide the robotics system to capture satellites and perform
servicing, a ground segment to monitor and control the robotic operations, and
all ORU containers and interfaces that will become standard on future
missions. The total value of this effort could be as much as $12 million
(CDN).
Orbital Express has the potential to usher in a revolution in space
operations, enabling new and enhanced satellite capabilities in the support of
commercial space activities. The project will support national security
missions, and civil and commercial space activities.
“Orbital Express is of significant strategic importance,” said Mag
Iskander, Vice President and General Manager of MD Robotics. “It expands MDA’s
robotic expertise into future military and commercial infrastructure
development.”
Orbital Express is funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency, (DARPA), and is scheduled for launch in 2006.
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