By Kalwinder Kaur
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt hosts On-Orbit Satellite Servicing, the Second International Workshop, during which NASA and the Canadian Space Agency will present results till date from the satellite-servicing Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) at Maryland from May 30 to 31, 2012.
The potential of remotely controlled robots and specific tools to carry out precise satellite-servicing tasks in space have been demonstrated in March 2012 by RRM. RRM operations will expand through 2013. According to NASA, RRM results will help minimize the risks involved in satellite servicing. In addition, it serves as the base for future robotic servicing missions. Refueling, repair and repositioning of orbiting satellites are some of the future missions.
The workshop will integrate major potential stakeholders from the emerging satellite-servicing community who will present servicing plans, investigate the factors affecting the emerging commercial industry and will share future missions that will contribute to devising new fleet strategies and better science exploration. The workshop will also serve as a platform where multiple presentations and panel discussions will be conducted. Several eminent speakers will present cross-discuss ideas, concerns, and solutions for the attendees.
Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs at George Washington University, Professor Henry Hertzfeld, President of Intelsat General Corporationm, Kay Sears and Dr. Robert Ambrose, Chief of the Software, Robotics and Simulation Division at NASA's Johnson Space Center were the plenary speakers.
Participants who wish to enter the NASA Center can submit a registration, which will be open through May 19, 2012.
Source: http://www.nasa.gov/