# MEV-1

> servicing spacecraft built by Northrop Grumman

**Wikidata**: [Q94967350](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q94967350)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mev-1

## Summary
MEV-1 is a servicing spacecraft built by Northrop Grumman, designed to extend the operational life of geostationary satellites. Launched in 2019, it was the first commercial spacecraft to dock with another satellite in orbit, demonstrating on-orbit servicing capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) class
- **Operator**: SpaceLogistics
- **Launch date**: October 9, 2019, at 10:17:56 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Launch vehicle**: Proton-M rocket with Briz-M upper stage
- **Mass**: 2,326 kilograms
- **Power source**: Solar arrays (2 panels, 10 kW total) and lithium-ion batteries (290 Ah capacity)
- **Propulsion**: Ion thrusters (2 units)
- **Spacecraft bus**: GEOStar-3
- **Design life**: 15 years
- **First docking**: February 25, 2020, with Intelsat 901
- **First undocking**: April 9, 2025, from Intelsat 901
- **Subsequent docking**: May 20, 2025, with Optus D3

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of MEV-1?
A: MEV-1 is designed to extend the operational life of geostationary satellites by docking with them and providing propulsion and other services.

### Q: Who built MEV-1?
A: MEV-1 was built by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, with SpaceLogistics as the operator.

### Q: What was the first satellite MEV-1 docked with?
A: MEV-1 first docked with Intelsat 901 on February 25, 2020, marking the first commercial docking in geostationary orbit.

### Q: How long is MEV-1 expected to operate?
A: MEV-1 has a design life of 15 years, though its operational lifespan may extend beyond this period.

### Q: What propulsion system does MEV-1 use?
A: MEV-1 uses ion thrusters for maneuvering and is powered by solar arrays and lithium-ion batteries.

## Why It Matters
MEV-1 represents a significant advancement in on-orbit servicing, addressing the growing need for sustainable satellite operations. By extending the life of aging satellites, it reduces space debris and lowers costs for satellite operators. Its successful docking and undocking operations demonstrate the feasibility of commercial servicing missions, paving the way for future in-space infrastructure. MEV-1’s achievements highlight the potential for on-orbit servicing to become a standard practice in satellite maintenance, ensuring the long-term viability of critical communications and Earth observation systems.

## Notable For
- First commercial spacecraft to dock with another satellite in geostationary orbit
- First undocking between two commercial spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit
- Demonstrated the feasibility of extending satellite lifespans through in-space servicing
- Operated by SpaceLogistics, a pioneer in commercial on-orbit services
- Equipped with advanced propulsion and power systems for long-duration missions

## Body
### Overview
MEV-1 is a servicing spacecraft developed by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems under contract with SpaceLogistics. It was launched on October 9, 2019, aboard a Proton-M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. The spacecraft is based on the GEOStar-3 bus and weighs 2,326 kilograms.

### Power and Propulsion
MEV-1 is powered by two solar arrays generating a total of 10 kilowatts, supplemented by lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 290 ampere-hours. It uses ion thrusters for maneuvering, allowing for precise orbital adjustments and docking operations.

### Mission Highlights
- **First Docking**: MEV-1 successfully docked with Intelsat 901 on February 25, 2020, marking the first commercial docking in geostationary orbit.
- **First Undocking**: On April 9, 2025, MEV-1 undocked from Intelsat 901, achieving the first undocking between two commercial spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit.
- **Subsequent Docking**: MEV-1 later docked with Optus D3 on May 20, 2025, demonstrating its versatility in servicing multiple satellites.

### Design and Capabilities
- **Spacecraft Bus**: MEV-1 is based on the GEOStar-3 bus, which provides structural and thermal management support.
- **Service Life**: The spacecraft has a design life of 15 years, with the potential for extended operations.
- **Payload**: MEV-1 carries no payload of its own but provides propulsion and other services to the satellites it docks with.

### Significance
MEV-1’s missions have validated the concept of commercial on-orbit servicing, reducing the need for costly replacements and extending the operational life of satellites. Its achievements have set a precedent for future servicing missions and contributed to the sustainability of space operations.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/mev-1)
4. [Source](https://spacenews.com/northrop-grummans-mev-1-servicer-docks-with-intelsat-satellite/)
5. [Source](https://news.northropgrumman.com/satellites/northrop-grumman-achieves-first-ever-undocking-between-two-commercial-spacecraft-in-geosynchronous-orbit)
6. [Source](https://spacedomain.substack.com/p/on-orbit-servicing-mev-1-and-optus)