SSL, NASA finish robotic spacecraft systems requirements review

Space Systems Loral and NASA have completed a two-day systems requirements review as part of the company’s in-orbit satellite servicing partnership with the agency.

NASA chose Palo Alto, Calf.-based SSL in December for the three-year, $127 million Restore-L contract to build a robotic spacecraft that can grasp, refuel and relocate a U.S. government satellite in low earth orbit.

SSL is building the spacecraft to provide structural support, attitude control, power and a data and communications interface to support the robotic payload for an on-orbit demonstration.

NASA and SSL teams worked to review and verify the Restore-L spacecraft’s functional and performance requirements into the existing SSL 1300 platform. That platform is currently used for commercial missions in geostationary orbit.

SSL is working with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. for the Restore-L program that also has a goal of demonstrating technologies and methods for potential use on future government and commercial missions.