Intelsat will use Arianespace for a pair of high-profile satellite launches. One of the satellites, the snappily named Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) is the so-called ‘Space Tug’ being developed by builders Orbital-ATK and its Space Logistics subsidiary.

MEV-2 will be owned by Space Logistics, and its first customer will be Intelsat. Intelsat will use MEV-2 (and its predecessor MEV-1) to rescue, refuel and/or move ailing satellites whilst in orbit. The MEV-2 craft provides life-extending services by taking over the orbit maintenance and attitude control functions of a client’s spacecraft.

MEV-2 will be carried within the same rocket fairing with Intelsat’s Galaxy-30 craft as a stacked pair. Galaxy-30 is also being built by Orbital ATK.

Launch of this par will be in “early 2020” says Intelsat.  Intelsat has also booked a flight with Arianespace for later in 2020.

Other posts by :

1. Bank ups Rocket Lab value
2. Eutelsat “racing” to find extra cash
3. Starlink causes problems for United Airlines
4. Hanwha dumps Eutelsat OneWeb
5. Bank: “FCC fires shot across the bows at EchoStar”
6. IRIS2 is “dead in the water”
7. How will Musk square the Indian subscriber circle?
8. Tensions in South Africa over Starlink approval
9. Starship #9 authorised for launch

Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite