US Space Force wants satellite 'jetpacks' to keep old spacecraft alive in orbit (www.space.com)

submitted 7 months ago by Wilshire@lemmy.world to c/space@lemmy.world

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[-] SkybreakerEngineer@lemmy.world 2 points 7 months ago

So the solution is to strap a whole new bus to another bus... as opposed to just filling up the tank again?

[-] Wilshire@lemmy.world 19 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Nearly all satellites do not have a way to refuel the tank in orbit. Adding a docking and refueling mechanism adds to the cost and complexity of satellites and adds another point of failure. Another factor is that a satellites mission might be extended beyond its initially expected service life.

[-] AlbinoPython@lemmy.world 13 points 7 months ago

Most satellites don't have gas caps.

[-] betterdeadthanreddit@lemmy.world 4 points 7 months ago

Just do it like a bedbug.

[-] LazaroFilm@lemmy.world 6 points 7 months ago

The idea is more like a tug boat and a tanker than two buses.

this post was submitted on 09 Feb 2024

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