Prospector

Orbiting Satellite tow-truck

Successful Design Review Validates the Technical Feasibility of Orbital Recovery Ltd.'s CX-OLEV Space Tug

London, England and Noordwijk, The Netherlands; April 13, 2005 - The ConeXpress Orbital Life Extension Vehicle (CX-OLEVTM) has successfully passed its Baseline Design Review milestone, clearing the way for this innovative space tug's formal offer to customers on operational servicing missions beginning in 2008.

The CX-OLEV will supply the propulsion, navigation and guidance to maintain valuable telecommunications satellites in their proper orbital slots for up to eight additional years. Orbital Recovery Ltd. has identified approximately 70 telecom satellites currently in orbit that are candidates for life extension through 2012 using the CX-OLEV, due to their revenue-generating potential for the customer.

Telecommunications satellites typically cost in excess of $250 million to place in orbit, with an average useful on-orbit life of 10-15 years. Once their on-board propellant has been depleted, the satellites are boosted into a disposal orbit and decommissioned, even though their revenue-generating communications relay payloads are still functional.

Orbital Recovery Ltd.'s CX-OLEV is a new-generation spacecraft that will significantly prolong the operating lifetimes of these valuable telecommunications satellites. Launched aboard the Arianespace Ariane 5 launcher, the CX-OLEV will operate as an orbital "tugboat" - supplying the propulsion, navigation and guidance to maintain even the largest telecom satellite in its proper orbital slot for up to eight additional years.


CX-OLEV

In addition, the CX-OLEV is able to boost satellites to disposal orbits after the completion of their operational service - which is now becoming mandatory for telecommunications spacecraft operating in geostationary orbit. For operators of satellite fleets, a CX-OLEV could perform the disposal service for multiple spacecraft, remaining in orbit and available on call when needed.

Orbital Recovery Ltd.

Successful Design Review Validates the Technical Feasibility of Orbital Recovery Ltd.'s CX-OLEV Space Tug | SpaceRef - Your Space Reference

posted by Prospector @ 11:44 AM