Extending Satellite Lifetimes in Geosynchronous Orbit with Servicing

This paper studies the potential demand for on-orbit satellite servicing in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). This paper assumes that the capability to perform on-orbit servicing in GEO exists and that operational vehicles could consider servicing alternatives as vehicles approach their end of operational life. Using a database of spacecraft anomalies maintained by The Aerospace Corporation, cases of GEO satellites launched since 1990 that are no longer operational are identified. The end of life may be due to unexpected failure or due to planned depletion of consumables. Each mission is evaluated to determine whether a servicing mission might have extended the useable lifetime of the spacecraft. Several degrees of servicing are determined to address different ways a satellite’s operational life ends. An evaluation summary is presented to show the need for different types of servicing, and specific cases of non-operational satellites demonstrate the different servicing needs. By studying launches over a period of 20 years, 86 spacecraft were identified which could benefit from servicing. Relocation and refueling missions are the simplest servicing missions to implement in the near-term, and also represent categories with the largest demand. Repair missions, particularly internal repair, likely present a much more difficult category.