# Mission Extension Vehicle

> model of servicing spacecraft by Northrop Grumman

**Wikidata**: [Q17145779](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17145779)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Extension_Vehicle)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mission-extension-vehicle

## Summary
The Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) is a model of servicing spacecraft developed by Northrop Grumman, designed to extend the operational life of geostationary satellites by refueling, repairing, or boosting their orbits. It is part of a broader class of servicing spacecraft aimed at addressing the challenges of satellite end-of-life management.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Servicing spacecraft, specifically designed for satellite servicing.
- **Operator**: SpaceLogistics (source: [Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm)).
- **Power System**: Equipped with a spacecraft solar array (2 arrays, 10 kW total) and lithium-ion batteries (290 Ah capacity) (sources: [Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm), [EOPortal](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/mev-1)).
- **Propulsion**: Uses ion thrusters (2 units) for precise orbital adjustments (source: [EOPortal](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/mev-1)).
- **Manufacturer**: Built by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems and Northrop Grumman Space Systems (source: [Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm)).
- **Design Life**: 15 years (design life) (source: [Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm)).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Based on the GEOStar-3 platform (source: [Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm)).
- **Country of Origin**: United States (source: [Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm)).
- **Instances**: Includes MEV-1 and MEV-2, two operational servicing spacecraft (source: Wikidata).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Mission Extension Vehicle?
A: The MEV is designed to extend the operational life of geostationary satellites by providing refueling, repairs, or orbital adjustments, addressing the issue of satellite end-of-life management.

### Q: How does the MEV generate power?
A: The MEV uses a spacecraft solar array (2 arrays, 10 kW total) and lithium-ion batteries (290 Ah capacity) to power its systems.

### Q: Who operates the MEV spacecraft?
A: The MEV spacecraft are operated by SpaceLogistics.

### Q: What propulsion system does the MEV use?
A: The MEV is equipped with ion thrusters (2 units) for precise orbital maneuvers.

### Q: What is the design life of the MEV?
A: The MEV is designed to operate for 15 years.

## Why It Matters
The Mission Extension Vehicle addresses a critical challenge in the satellite industry: the high cost and complexity of launching new satellites to replace aging ones. By enabling in-orbit servicing, MEV reduces the need for new launches, lowering costs and environmental impact. This model demonstrates the feasibility of extending the operational life of satellites, which is increasingly important as the number of satellites in geostationary orbit grows. The MEV’s success paves the way for future advancements in satellite servicing, potentially revolutionizing space operations and sustainability.

## Notable For
- **First Commercial Servicing Missions**: MEV-1 and MEV-2 were the first commercial spacecraft designed for satellite servicing, proving the viability of in-orbit refueling and repairs.
- **GEOStar-3 Platform**: Built on Northrop Grumman’s GEOStar-3 bus, a proven platform for geostationary satellites.
- **Ion Thruster Propulsion**: Uses ion thrusters for efficient, long-duration orbital adjustments, a key innovation in servicing spacecraft.
- **15-Year Design Life**: Designed for a long operational lifespan, ensuring sustained service capabilities.
- **U.S. Origin**: Developed by Northrop Grumman, a leading U.S. aerospace company, reflecting the country’s leadership in space technology.

## Body
### Overview
The Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) is a model of servicing spacecraft developed by Northrop Grumman to extend the operational life of geostationary satellites. It is part of a broader class of servicing spacecraft aimed at addressing the challenges of satellite end-of-life management, such as high replacement costs and environmental impact.

### Design and Capabilities
The MEV is based on the GEOStar-3 spacecraft bus, a proven platform for geostationary satellites. It is equipped with a spacecraft solar array (2 arrays, 10 kW total) and lithium-ion batteries (290 Ah capacity) for power generation. The spacecraft uses ion thrusters (2 units) for precise orbital adjustments, enabling it to refuel, repair, or boost the orbit of target satellites.

### Operational Details
The MEV is operated by SpaceLogistics and has a design life of 15 years. Two instances of the MEV model are currently operational: MEV-1 and MEV-2. These spacecraft have demonstrated the feasibility of commercial satellite servicing, performing missions such as extending the life of Intelsat satellites.

### Significance
The MEV model represents a significant advancement in satellite servicing, reducing the need for new launches and lowering costs. Its success has paved the way for future advancements in space operations, including in-orbit assembly and debris removal. The MEV’s innovations in propulsion and design have set a new standard for servicing spacecraft.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mev-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/mev-1)