Space servicing industry.
US aerospace firm Northrop Grumman has launched the world’s first commercial robotic satellite servicing mission, pioneering what is projected to become a multi-billion-dollar market over the next five years. Satellites today are built to be disposable. The capability to refuel, repair and upgrade them robotically could transform commercial, civil and military space activities over the coming decade.
Transparency and confidence-building measures and ‘rules of the road’ could mitigate the destabilising impact somewhat.
On-orbit servicing will spur the development of space tracking capabilities, improving transparency and safety.
Servicing promises to reduce space debris, but at the same time creates greater potential for collisions.
