Orbital Express Launches Tonight 137
airshowfan writes "When a geosynchronous satellite is launched into space, no human ever gets to touch it again. This means that, other than for minor software issues, there is no way to fix it if it breaks, so it has to work perfectly, almost autonomously, for 20 years non-stop. There is also no way to refuel it once it's out of thruster fuel, the reason why it can't last more than 20 years even if it gets to that mark working very well, with batteries and solar cells still going, which is often the case. If only there were a robotic spacecraft in geostationary orbit that could change broken satellite components and refuel those older satellites, then satellites would be a lot less risky and would last a lot longer. Does this robotic spacecraft mechanic sound like science fiction? It launches tonight."
Thank you Dennis Wingo (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Who will refuel it? (Score:3, Informative)
I'm guessing one of the satellites has a tank containing excess fuel on board, just like a tanker truck will have a fuel tank and the big tank on the back.
Refueling in space isn't really that hard unless you are using cryogenic propellants. And in this case, the satellites use hydrazine, so its all good. I can't wait till somebody gets cryogenic propellant transfer working, because that will have so many more uses than what you can do with hydrazine.
Not entirely a success (Score:1, Informative)
Watch the launch live! (Score:4, Informative)
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia-live/ula/18488/56
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia-live/ula/18488/30
Play-by-play
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/070308_atlas
Re:I can't believe this guy (Score:3, Informative)
The thing that keeps a lot of these satellites operational though is they have extremely flexible software and hardware, and backup systems to help solve issues operators are having.
So I think your right - they will still have to build these to the same specs they are now, just now if you have a serious problem that jeopardizes the mission you maybe have a slight chance of fixing it.
Re:There is no way to fix it if it breaks? (Score:2, Informative)
There's a darn good reason the Apollo missions blew through MEO quickly. The environment isn't very nice for humans between the lower Van Allen and GEO.
Re:Great Weapon (Score:3, Informative)