Intelsat 901 satellite returned to work after the first ever refueling in space

The MEV program aims to extend the life of satellites already sent into space with the help of other

devices. The satellites that will be manufactured under the program will be equipped with rocket engines for movement in space, as well as a robotic arm, which will simplify docking.

MEV-1 is the first test apparatus of the program. It was launched into orbit in October 2019 and has since undergone testing and system verification, and has also moved towards its first target, the Intelsat 901 satellite.

MEV-1 fully restored Intelsat 901 on April 9th ​​- over the next five years it will be docked to a communications satellite and will gradually put it into working orbit.

In the near future, the company intends to launch anotherone tanker, MEV-2, whose mission is to restore the operation of the Intelsat 1002 satellite, which is currently in orbit.

The project is scheduled for the end of 2020. If further missions are successful, then the technology will double the work of satellites and reduce the amount of space debris, the company said.

It was previously reported that the asteroid 2020 CD3 temporarily turned into a natural satellite of the Earth.