The Mission Robotic Vehicle, or MRV, is a multi-function space robotics platform developed through Northrop Grumman investment and a partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. It is intended to support robotic inspection, relocation, repair, debris removal, upgrades, experimentation and in-space assembly.
The vehicle carries a DARPA robotics payload developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. The payload includes two fully articulated robotic arms and specialized tools for complex missions in orbit.
Northrop Grumman also launched three Mission Extension Pods, known as MEPs. The pods are designed to act as “jetpacks” that provide supplemental propulsion to extend satellite life and support maneuvering.
The MRV launched with the first Passive Refueling Module, a Space Force-approved docking and refueling interface standard. Northrop Grumman said the module will allow the vehicle to be refueled on orbit and support future sustained maneuver missions.
The vehicle also includes advanced processing for future artificial intelligence-enabled operations. The company said AI is being used to increase reliability, reduce costs, improve mission assurance and support future in-space servicing work.
“The MRV is a whole new class of advanced autonomous space robotics that will learn and evolve to support novel missions for our nation,” said Ryan Tintner, vice president and general manager, space superiority, Northrop Grumman. “These are not demonstrations.”
“Our world-leading investments in these capabilities are finally providing options in space that are only limited by our imagination.” His comments place the launch beyond satellite life extension, pointing to a wider market for robotic operations in orbit.
Northrop Grumman said the MRV will use its experience in rendezvous, proximity operations and docking to safely service client satellites. The company’s first-generation Mission Extension Vehicles have already extended the life of commercial satellites running low on fuel.
Two Mission Extension Vehicles are operating in orbit and have docked with three commercial communications satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Northrop Grumman said they have provided more than 10 years of combined mission extension services.
The new Mission Extension Pods build on that earlier work with a smaller and more affordable life-extension option. Northrop Grumman said the pods can be deployed rapidly to a wide range of satellites.
The MRV, MEV and MEP systems draw on Northrop Grumman’s U.S. manufacturing base. The company said its thermal control products and electronics protect and control the MRV robotic arms, while space electronics aboard the electric propulsion thruster units support maneuvering in orbit.
