By 
August 13th, 2026
High above Earth, the Northrop Grumman Mission Extension Vehicle pulls away from the Optus D3 spacecraft.
Image credit: Northrop Grumman
It has been labeled as “a pivotal moment in space sustainability.” That’s the go-to speak from Northrop Grumman touting its Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) after successful undocking from the Optus D3 satellite.
The event marks a new era of on-orbit servicing, the aerospace company adds, “that extends satellite life beyond traditional replacement models.”
The SpaceLogistics MEV delivers life-extension services using a suite of integrated proximity sensors and a simple mechanical docking system to reliably and safely rendezvous and dock with a client satellite running low on fuel, taking over its attitude and orbit maintenance.
The Australian Optus company launched its D3 satellite on August 22, 2009 from French Guiana in South America.
Posted in Space News
