NORTHROP'S ROBOT SPACE MECHANIC IS A NEW WAY TO KEEP SATELLITES AT WORK LONGER

Summary from the TLDR newsletter

Northrop Grumman launched a Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) and three Mission Extension Pods (MEPs) into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in July. The MRV is a powerful satellite equipped with two advanced robotic arms. MEPs are simpler satellites that are essentially modular propulsion systems. In 2027, the MRV will use its robotic arms to attach one of the MEP pods to a telecommunications satellite, which should keep it in orbit for years to come.