NASA is building a robotic service station for earth-orbiting satellites

Credit: NASA/Mashable

To remain in orbit, a satellite needs to make periodic corrections to its position. Maneuvering requires fuel. Ultimately, a satellite comes to the end of its service life when it runs out of fuel for maneuvering. At that point, the accounting department instantly depreciates that verrry expensive satellite to zero. NASA is developing a robotic refueling system to extend the service life of satellites.

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