Space Logistics

Northrup Grumman advances:

What is SpaceLogistics?

SpaceLogistics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, provides cooperative space logistics and in-orbit satellite servicing to geosynchronous satellite operators using its fleet of commercial servicing vehicles—the Mission Extension Vehicle, the Mission Robotic Vehicle and the Mission Extension Pods.

Pioneering a New Market in Space

SpaceLogistics currently provides in-orbit satellite servicing to geosynchronous satellite operators using the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV)™ which docks with customers’ existing satellites providing the propulsion and attitude control needed to extend their lives. This enables satellite operators to activate new markets, drive asset value and protect their franchises.  ... ' 

Mission Extension Vehicle

The Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1), the industry’s first satellite life extension vehicle, completed its first docking to a client satellite, Intelsat IS-901 on February 25, 2020. MEV is designed to dock to geostationary satellites whose fuel is nearly depleted. Once connected to its client satellite, MEV uses its own thrusters and fuel supply to extend the satellite’s lifetime. When the customer no longer desires MEV’s service, the spacecraft will undock and move on to the next client satellite. The second Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) launched August 15, 2020 with the Northrop Grumman-built Galaxy 30 satellite. MEV-2 docked with the Intelsat IS-1002 satellite on April 12, 2021.  ... '

Northrup Grumman on the Webb Telescope

Happened on a writeup on what Northrup Grumman did with the Webb Space Telescope.    Good overview.   Recalled some of our work with them in supply chain oriented topics. Getting re-acquainted to their skills. 

What it Was Like to Work on Webb

Before we could begin to build the most complex telescope ever, we had to invent technologies that never existed before. For many Northrop Grumman employees, the opportunity to work on Webb was the opening for boundless opportunity. From a new element on the Periodic Table and embracing digital transformation to creating zero gravity here on earth, Northrop Grumman employees developed something that the entire universe can be proud of. 

And in cyber systems.  ...

What Northrop Grumman is Doing with Quantum Tech

What Northrop is doing in the space: 

Disruptive Concepts and Technologies: Quantum Technology  By Kelly McSweeney (intro below) 

Second wave of quantum technology is on the way. Quantum mechanics was discovered a century ago, eventually leading to everyday technologies such as lasers and semiconductor electronics. But we still haven’t taken full advantage of its more remarkable effects, such as “distributed entanglement,” a phenomenon in which objects are inextricably linked, even when physically separated over large distances.

Until recently, the more exotic effects of quantum physics were limited to academic experiments. “Now, people are diving deeper and looking to exploit the really strange things at the roots of quantum physics,” says Dr. Ben Burnett, Lead Quantum Networking Architect.

Dr. Burnett leads a research team within Northrop Grumman’s Disruptive Concepts and Technologies (DC&T) organization that’s incorporating emerging developments in the quantum technology field to provide capabilities not found in the realm of classical physics. DC&T’s charter is to understand emerging and potentially disruptive technologies, such as those arising within the burgeoning field of quantum information science. DC&T’s work with quantum networking spans multiple time horizons, to include preparing for the most disruptive technologies arising from interconnected and networked quantum systems – many of which haven’t even been invented yet.  ... '