SpaceX launches Northrop Grumman satellite servicing mission

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SpaceX launched Northrop Grumman's mission robotic vehicle (MRV) and three mission extension pods (MEPs) from Cape Canaveral on July 21, starting a first deployment of the company's new life-extension pods for geostationary satellites. The MRV, operated by SpaceLogistics, carries two 10-foot robotic arms to capture and attach each pod in geostationary orbit; the pods supply propulsion and momentum management and can extend a satellite's operational life by up to eight years. Optus reserved one pod and Intelsat two. The MRV will remain in orbit to support future servicing and carries a Passive Refueling Module approved by the US Space Force, while SpaceX did not recover the Falcon 9 booster on its 32nd and final flight.

MRV will deploy three MEPs to extend satellite service lives.