# Private Mission Extends Life of Aging Satellites with Jetpacks Northrop Grumman launches pioneering satellite life-extension service. - **Source:** [Slashdot](https://brifing.si/source/0f34d58e-1ccd-45a6-ab82-2de4065dc7ad) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/afa48f32-6e5b-4316-bffb-b1d5cfe51e8c ## Innovative Satellite Rescue Mission Northrop Grumman has initiated a private mission to attach life-extending jetpacks to aging communication satellites. This venture could save operators millions in replacement costs while prolonging orbital infrastructure. ## Geosynchronous Orbit Operations The robotic MRV vehicle will spend a year maneuvering to reach 36,000 km high geosynchronous orbit, where hundreds of satellites maintain constant coverage by matching Earth's rotation. ## Robotic Arm Technology Equipped with 30-foot robotic arms, the minivan-sized MRV will attach washing machine-sized jetpacks to aging satellites. Each propulsion unit uses xenon gas thrusters for orbital adjustments. ## Multi-Satellite Intervention The mission will service one primary satellite plus two additional targets. Once attached, the jetpacks provide several years of extended operational capability to fuel-depleted spacecraft. ## Cost Savings for Operators Major operators like SES and Optus stand to save significantly on replacement costs. Successful implementation could establish new industry standards for satellite lifecycle management. ## Sustainable Space Infrastructure This initiative highlights the economic and ecological importance of preserving existing orbital assets while reducing space debris. Satellite life-extension technologies may become critical for future space missions. ## Sources covering this story - https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/07/23/0534215/private-mission-launches-to-extend-life-of-out-of-gas-communication-satellites?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._