Infrastructure
Technology Development
2009 – Other Technology Efforts
Eight scientific satellites were launched in 2009, including ESA’s Herschel and Planck observatories. The observatories will be used to study the evolution of distant stars, observe the cosmic background radiation…
2011 – Technology Development Satellites
Other national space agencies are also supporting key technology development efforts. In April 2011, ESA approved the development of Proba-3, a mission to demonstrate autonomous formation flying by spacecraft. Scheduled…
2011 – Other Technology Efforts
There is a wide range of technology development in the public and private sectors related to space infrastructure. One of the largest efforts is within NASA’s Office of the Chief…
2011 – On-Orbit Servicing
Once launched, satellites generally cannot be refueled or repaired. Satellites have lifetimes limited by the amount of propellant they can carry on board to maintain their orbits. A failure of…
2012 – Other Technology Efforts
Long-duration space missions beyond Earth’s orbit are not always able to rely on solar panels, so they often require a more compact and powerful source of energy. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators…
2012 – On-Orbit Servicing
Much of the world depends on GEO satellites for defense, communication, science, and weather monitoring. These expensive assets eventually fail or run out of propellant, but refueling and maintaining them…