Technology advancements for servicing of future spacecraft systems

Abstract

Problems associated with the in-orbit repair and maintenance of spacecraft systems are examined with reference to experience gained from three servicing missions: in-orbit capture, repair, and reflight of the Solar Maximum Mission satellite, capture and return to earth of the Palapa and Westar communications satellites, and in-orbit repair of Syncom 3. It is then shown how the lessons learned from the three servicing missions are applied to current and future servicing activities. In particular, planned servicing missions for the Hubble Space Telescope, tools and servicing facilities development, and the development of the Explorer Platform are discussed.