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.
http://mashable.com/2014/08/05/robotic-gas-stations-in-space/ / NASA robotic gas station space interstellar starships refuel rockets outer solar system service satellites orbiting Earth satellites orbit circle Earth transmitting GPS navigation signals weather forecasts television shows fuel to maneuver orbit refuel aging machines satellites more years of service break down retired NASA's Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office Goddard Space Flight Center Maryland Kennedy Space Center Florida refuel satellites solution refueling robotically new technology NASA hopes add precious years functional life satellites expand options operators unexpected emergencies tougher economic demands aging fleets NASA Bob Granath robotic technology fueling NASA fix malfunctioning satellites build entirely new structures outer space Goddard Kennedy preparing spacecraft launch loading propellant excess Space Shuttle Program hardware development costs robotics remote-control capability test remote robot operator valve simulated satellite nitrogen tetroxide spacecraft, flowed smoothly Remote Robotic Oxidizer Transfer Test RROxiTT robot servicing satellites transfer oxidizer satellite refueling Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility space junk refueling costly launches geosynchronous orbit commercial communication satellites refuel repair satellites GEO geosynchronous Earth orbit more sustainable mitigate orbital debris problems NASA's Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office /
