KEYWORDS: Space operations, Sensors, Satellites, Sun, Robotics, Navigation systems, Failure analysis, Software development, Control systems, Global Positioning System
The Orbital Express program was created to prove that the technical obstacles to satellite
servicing were surmountable- to "take the technical excuse off the table" as it were. This
mission demonstrated short range and long range autonomous rendezvous, capture and
berthing, on-orbit electronics upgrades, on-orbit refueling, and autonomous fly-around visual
inspection using a demonstration client satellite. The Orbital Express spacecraft were
launched March 8, 2007 and completed their mission on July 22, 2007. 100% of mission
success criteria and objectives were achieved. This paper describes, at a high level, the
program goals and objectives, key milestones & events, accomplishments, and some of the
obstacles that were overcome during the mission.
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